Begonia molleri
An unusual epiphytic Begonia endemic to São Tomé, with a trailing to scrambling habit and somewhat succulent leaves. It is notable for its sausage-shaped, wingless fruit, for which it was first described in a separate genus, Mezierea. It comes from humid mid-elevation forest between Monte Café and the Pico, so it needs warm-intermediate temperatures, high humidity and an airy, epiphyte-style setup rather than a dense pot of soil.
Where it grows wild
It grows as an epiphyte with trailing, climbing stems in the moist forests of central São Tomé. The type came from Nova Moka at about 850 m, and its known local range runs from Monte Café towards the Pico de São Tomé. It is thought to tolerate deep shade. Its succulent leaves may help it through drier spells on bark.
The type is from about 850 m at Nova Moka. Later collections labelled 'between Praia Grande and Praia Monte Mário' may be from lower coastal areas, but they carry no elevation.
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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.