Aman-Allah El Mokni, Ranim El Mokni, Ridha El Mokni

Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (Hydrophylloideae, Boraginaceae): a first report as casual alien to the vascular flora of Tunisia

Introduction

Phacelia tanacetifolia benth. (hydrophylloideae, boraginaceae): a first report as casual alien to the vascular flora of tunisia. First report of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. as a casual alien species in Tunisia's flora. Discover its ecology, phenology, and naturalization status in North Africa.

Abstract

Floristic investigations in the central-eastern Tunisia (North Africa) led to the discovery of a small population of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (Boraginaceae), a species reported native to the southwestern North America and naturalized in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Our discovery represents the first record at the national level, and the third one for the southern Mediterranean shore (North Africa). Description, and phenology, together with its ecology in Tunisia are provided. Additionally, original photographs as well as a first assessment of the naturalization status of this taxon in Tunisia are here presented.

Review

This manuscript presents a significant new record for the vascular flora of Tunisia, detailing the discovery of *Phacelia tanacetifolia* as a casual alien species. This finding is notable not only as the first national record for Tunisia but also as only the third occurrence reported along the southern Mediterranean shore of North Africa. Given that *Phacelia tanacetifolia* is native to southwestern North America and has established naturalized populations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, this report contributes valuable data to our understanding of the global spread of alien species and the dynamic nature of regional floras. The strength of this report lies in its comprehensive initial characterization of the newly discovered population. The authors promise to provide a detailed description of the species, its phenology, and its specific ecology within the Tunisian environment. The inclusion of original photographs will be particularly beneficial for verification and future identification efforts. Crucially, the paper also presents a first assessment of the naturalization status of *P. tanacetifolia* in Tunisia, which is essential for understanding the potential invasiveness and future management implications of this newcomer to the local ecosystem. This timely report underscores the importance of ongoing floristic investigations, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Mediterranean basin, which are susceptible to plant introductions. The documentation of a casual alien species like *P. tanacetifolia* serves as an early warning for potential future invasions and provides a baseline for monitoring its spread and impact. Further research investigating the pathways of introduction, reproductive success, and potential competitive interactions with native flora would build upon this foundational work, offering deeper insights into the ecological implications of this new alien presence in North Africa.

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