Abstract: A rare species, endemic to the European part of Turkey: Centaurea kilaea Boiss., was found on the dunes at Veleka River Mouth, Southern Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria. This newly found population is a small one – comprising of 43 individuals, participating in the species composition of typical psammophytic vegetation (white dunes). The proximity of the beach at Igneada in Turkey has probably allowed spontaneous dispersal (by wind or maybe ants or seabirds) to the Bulgarian territory. The very limited size and small number of the population, as well as the high dynamics of the coastal strip in this area, call into question its long-term existence in Bulgaria.
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Additional information
Received: 6 October 2025 · Accepted: 2 December 2025
Editor: Stanislav Abadjiev
Conflicts of interest:
No potential conflict of interest has been reported by the authors, reviewers, or subject editor. As a member of the editorial board Rossen Tzonev recused himself from discussions and decisions on the manuscript.
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Cite as
Tzonev R., Valcheva M., Gussev Ch., Prodanov B. 2026 Centaurea kilaea – a new species to the flora of Bulgaria. Historia naturalis bulgarica 48: 9–14.