Family: Davailliaceae
Common Name: Hare's Foot Fern

This genus of ferns comprises some 40 species, mostly from Southeast Asia, with a few in Australia and New Zealand. Mostly epiphytes, they are found growing in elevated positions in rainforests and other very moist situations. They have long, creeping, solid rhizomes covered with scales in gray, brown, silver or black. The fronds are usually large and triangu­lar-shaped, while the leaflets vary from very fine to coarse and broad. These exceptionally beautiful ferns are perfect for hanging baskets.

Species

D. denticulata, toothed davallia, one of the few ground specimens, is from Asia, but is also found in north-eastern Queensland. The rhizome has brown scales and the fronds are finely divided.

D. fejeensis, from Fiji and other tropical regions, is possibly the most beautiful of the species. It is very delicate, with fine, feathery leaflets, and needs protection from frost and cold in winter.

D. pyxidata, a native of eastern Australia, is one of the most com­monly grown species. The rhizome is covered with brown scales and the long, coarse, feath­ery fronds are a glossy, dark green.

Cultivation

Davallias are grown in an interme­diate greenhouse or in a conservatory, or as house plants in frost-prone climates. They can be grown in hanging baskets in a mix of peat or peat substitute, coarse sand and well-rotted bark chips, with a touch of dolomitic limestone and some charcoal lumps. They like bright light, but shade from direct sun, and a humid atmosphere. Mist spray the leaves daily in summer with plain water. The rhizomes can be divided in spring to propagate a plant. Each piece of rhizome must have some roots attached.

Climate

Zone 10.