First report of Amaranthus viridis and Euphorbia serpens in Bulgaria
Two new alien plant species are reported for Bulgaria: Amaranthus viridis and Euphorbia serpens. Both species were recorded in Varna city, Black Sea coast.
Amaranthus viridis (Amaranthaceae) is an annual plant species with a pantropical native distribution. The population of A. viridis in the city of Varna occurs close to a church and covers a strip of approximately 10 x 1.5 m consisting of 200 – 400 individuals. The population has been observed since 2014 and remains stable. In the EPPO region the species is recorded in Algeria, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Euphorbia serpens (Euphorbiaceae) is an annual plant species native to Central and South America. The species has been widely introduced into tropical regions where it occurs as a weed. In Bulgaria, the species is recorded in the Primorski Park area in Varna, where it occurs within a garden centre colonizing areas around polytunnels and in disused containers. In 2017, the estimated population size was 400 individuals. In the EPPO region the species is recorded in Algeria, Portugal, Spain and Greece.
The Black Sea coast region is regarded as an area vulnerable to intentional and unintentional introductions of alien plants. The region is an important destination for tourists and a port and transport hub. Further new occurrences of invasive alien plants are likely in this region and surveys should be conducted to monitor the coastal flora.
Sources
Petrova AS (2018) Amaranthus viridis and Euphorbia serpens, new alien species records for the flora of Bulgaria. Comptes rendus de l’Académie bulgare des Sciences, 71, 46-52.