Begonia noraaunorae

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Begonia noraaunorae is a rare Begonia plant found only in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines. It grows on limestone rocks in semi-shaded broadleaf forests near the town of Cortes, at about 30 meters above sea level.

The species is named after the Filipino actress Nora Aunor. It flowers from April to June.

It is similar to Begonia negrosensis but has bigger leaves with light green patches, shorter stems, a larger serrated leaf blade, and a longer ovary.

Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). The plant is known from only four sites near a highway, with fewer than 1,000 individuals in total. Threats come from collecting and ongoing habitat disturbance.

Local knowledge and use: The leaves are said to help treat coughs; young leaves are edible and used to flavor paksiw. Locally it is called amampang or amamampang, meaning “growing on a cliff.”