First report of three Asteraceae species in Tunisia
Senecio angulatus (Asteraceae) is a fast-growing vine which is native to South Africa. The species has been reported as being invasive in Australia and New Zealand. Within the EPPO region, S. angulatus is reported from France, Italy and Spain where it is considered invasive and more recently from Greece (Rhodes Island). In Tunisia, S. angulatus was first identified in 2016 near ancient buildings around the city of Monastir. The species was also observed growing into dune systems where it was associated with Opuntia ficus-indica and Ephedra fragilis communities. In addition, the species was found around ancient buildings in Bizerta. The authors consider S. angulatus as a casual species in Tunisia. Two other species were identified for the first time in Tunisia: Jacobaea erucifolia (native to Europe and Asia) which was observed growing along road margins and abandoned fields around Jendouba, and Kleinia mandraliscae which was observed in a coastal rocky area around the city of Monastir. With regard to the latter species, this is the first time this South Africa native has been recorded for North Africa, though the species is reported as being casual in Sicily (IT) and Spain.
Sources
El Mokn R, Iamonico D (2018) Three new records of Senecioneae (Asteraceae) for the allochthonous Tunisian flora: occurrence and taxonomic notes. Flora Mediterranea 28, 385-392.