Rosa rugosa (Rosaceae): an alien species in the Bulgarian flora

The aim of the article is to report the presently known localities of Rosa rugosa (Rosaceae) in the Bulgarian flora, and to discuss its alien and invasive status. The species is native to East Asia and has been introduced in Europe, North America and New Zealand where it became established and, in some parts, invasive. In Bulgaria, the taxon was introduced in the mid-20th century for cultivation for its edible and vitaminsrich rosehips. Consequently, it escaped in some parts of the country. So far, naturalized localities of the species have been recorded in three floristic regions: Black Sea Coast (Northern), Balkan Range (Western) and Rhodopi Mts (Central). The populations are relatively small, usually on a few square meters, and no invasive behaviour of the species has been observed so far. Therefore, Rosa rugosa should be regarded as naturalized, non-invasive alien in the Bulgarian flora. However, the behaviour of the species should be monitored, since it is still cultivated in some parts of the country, which may result in escape and establishment of new localities.