In East Africa two distinct forms occur. They visited by a large number of insects and birds but are chiefly pollinated by honeybees and syrphids. Although mainly outcrossed, selfing occurs. Flowering and fruiting starts when the plant is one year old. Fruits are widely dispersed locally by native and alien birds and mammals but long distance dispersal also occurs.
Seed germination is staggered with a peak within eight weeks following the breaking of dormancy.
Resilience and resistance Has a high capacity for vegetative propagation, with the interconnected portions decaying. The plant is frost tolerant. Environmental requirements and successional status P. mollissima tolerates both high and low light levels. A seedling bank is commonly found under tree canopy although newly germinated seedlings do not tolerate dense shade. Optimal growth occurs in full sun light.