Article

A new alien plant – Verbesina encelioides (Asteraceae) – was recorded in Tunisia at HenchaSfax. Its identification was based on specimens’ examination and relevant literature. A floristic exploration was made during October-November 2013 to map the spatial distribution and to measure some biological traits of this species. Within an area of 40 km² and along 35 km of roadsides 19 infestations we recorded. The large part of them was located in ruderal environments and in lesser extent in field crops. During field trips we noted V. encelioides behavior in each habitat. It is a drought tolerant erect annual plant, germinating in early spring or autumn; some seedlings may survive the winter season. From the observations this species look like more adapted to roadsides than to field crops.