| Summary: | Context: The presence of Commelinaceae plants in a park in the city of Camagüey, which does not correspond to any species of this family previously recorded in Cuba, created the need to study its identity, origin, and properties.
Aim: To reveal the nomenclature, taxonomy, and description of the taxon, provide an illustration of the plant, and comment on the main qualities that determine its usefulness.
Methods: Botanical research methods were used, such as work with collections, comparison of collections and keys recorded in catalogs, as well as the description and scientific illustration.
Results: The presence of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson in Cuba was corroborated. Precisions were made as to the nomenclature; the taxon was described, and an analytical key was established to distinguish it from the rest of the members of the same genus already reported in the country. Aspects related to the usefulness for gardening and medicine were referred to.
Conclusions: Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson should be included in the catalogs and scientific journals on Cuban flora. The usefulness of the plant for gardening and tropical medicine, and its antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties will be have to be considered by the Cuban economic botanic.
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