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

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.