In vitro culture of Consolea millspaughii subsp. millspaughii (Cactaceae): a critically endangered species

Islands are biodiversity hotspots yet accelerated levels of land degradation as a consequence of infrastructure development is posing a serious threat to native species. Cuba contains the largest diversity of cacti in the Caribbean, however, some are critically endangered such as those within the genus Consolea. Therefore, the present study undertook a census of Consolea millspaughii subsp. millspaughii on the Cayo Paredón Grande in Cuba to assess the current status of populations. A secondary goal of the study was to develop the preliminary stages for a micropropagation protocol for this species. The results showed a worrying decline in adult cacti from the last census conducted in 2019 (a reduction from 15 to 5 adult plants). However, up to 41 juvenile plants were noted which is encouraging from a conservation perspective. The early stages of the micropropagation protocol were established with NaClO being sufficient to remove surface decontaminants. Up to 100