Davallia denticulata

Davalliaceae

Davallia denticulata (Burm.f.) Mett. ex Kuhn

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/81522

Hares-Foot Fern

Rhizome thick, not white waxy, densely covered with appressed reddish brown scales bearing many small marginal teeth. Fronds usually 3-pinnate, broadly triangular, 50–100 cm long, widest point of frond 15–45 cm, herbaceous. Stipe 10–40 cm long, glabrous except at extreme base; rachis glabrous. Pinnules deeply lobed, glabrous; margins denticulate; apex acute; false veins between pinnule veins, reaching from each sinus almost to fork of true veins. Sori marginal, each on a separate pinnule lobe, with an extended tooth on 1 or both sides; indusium elongate, attached at base and partially along sides.

Occurs in NE QLD from Torres Strait to Eungella including continental islands. Also widespread in Palaeotropics.

Lithophytic or terrestrial in open forests and vine forest margins in rocky areas.

Davallia denticulata is commonly drought deciduous. New fronds have a skeletal appearance.

Easy to cultivate in a container or on rocks in a garden in a well lit tropical garden or fernery.

Similar to Davallia solida and Davallia pyxidata, but differing in D. denticulata being terrestrial (cf. epiphytic or lithophytic in other Davallia).