Centaurea kilaea - a new species to the flora of Bulgaria

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.