Systematics   

Description  

Distribution & Habitat

Culture

Propagation

Uses   

References

Davallia trichomanoides     

Rabbit's 

Foot Fern   or

Squirrel's Foot Fern

  

   

 

Systematics

 

Division- Polypodiophyta
Class- Polypodiopsida
Subclass- Hymenophyllidae
Order- Aspidiales
Family- Davalliaceae
Genus- Davallia
Species- trichomanoides   

 

  

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Description

The Rabbit's Foot Fern can be identified by its "feet" or rhizomes that are covered with hair. The common name of this fern was inspired by these "furry feet" that tend to resemble the feet of a rabbit. (An imagination my come in handy here!) In nature, this fern can be seen growing attached to the trunk of a tree. In a basket, however, the one of the fern's most common positions is "curled" over the edges of the pot.

This fern thrives in a tropical mesic habitat, which remains warm and moist throughout the year.

Culture

Davallia trichomanoides originated in southeast Asia. The soil that it is kept in should contain some peat to hold fertilizer salts, as well as moisture. It also must drain easily. Dolomite is recommended to keep vibrant color. The fern requires little sunlight, moderate water (as many ferns are often harmed by over-watering), and a temperature above 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The Rabbit's Foot Fern flourishes in USDA zones eight through ten, and sunset zones seventeen, twenty-three, and twenty-four.

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Davallia trichomanoides can be used in gardens in many ways, such as the ground cover and the border. Its creeping feet look great in a hanging basket, such as in this photograph.

http://gardening.sierrahome.com

http://www.geocities.com

http://www.srtrop.com/ferns/davalia/html

  

This page was developed by:   

Moira Lynch

W&J Class of 2001   

   

Last revised on 1 May 2001