In the summer of 2024, a small population with a few dozen plants of Damasonium polyspermum, a vulnerable Mediterranean species, was found on a gravel bank of the River Meuse. Its nearest extant populations are located in the south of France, at a distance of almost 1,000 km. Although the introduction vector can only be speculated about, an introduction by migrating waterfowl seems most likely. For the Dutch flora, this discovery may turn out to be merely anecdotal, as the species probably will not be able to survive in this locality. However, the discovery of a new species for a country inevitably involves determining its residence status (native versus non-native). The status assigned may have major consequences for certain ecological and/or policy perspectives (respectively the possible protection versus eradication of the species concerned). Although the importance of this status cannot be underestimated, it must be accepted that it is rarely unambiguous and often a mere educated guess. A number of aspects are considered and relevant literature is assessed. Although the species probably arrived at the Meuse in a natural way (through ornithochory, without any human intervention) but probably will disappear again in the short term, it should be classified as an ephemeral species, without the question of indigeneity arising. This could of course change if the species were to become permanently established, e.g. as a result of a warming climate.