On the current distribution and population size of the non-native Claytonia sibirica (Montiaceae) in Bulgaria.

Claytonia sibirica has native distribution in the Komandorskie Islands and Western North America. As an introduced plant, it is found in some countries in Europe and New Zealand. It has been reported for Bulgaria in 1951. Recent observations in the Rila Mts and other available data on the distribution, habitats and population of the species are presented in this work. Locally, it is very abundant, with high population density and heterogeneous age structure. Claytonia sibirica is a naturalized alien species in Bulgaria, most likely deliberately introduced. Considering the long period of time since the species has been getting established in the country and its current distribution, it can be concluded that this non-native plant is spreading at a low rate by means of short-and mid-distance dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]