Davallia solida

Davalliaceae

Davallia solida (G.Forst.) Sw.

Link to Australian Plant Name Index for publication details and synonyms: https://id.biodiversity.org.au/name/apni/81669

Hare's-Foot Fern

Rhizome long creeping, white-waxy, appressed to substrate. Black peltate bases of rhizome scales usually persistent; remainder deciduous. Fronds not always markedly dimorphic, 50–70 cm long, 25–38 cm at widest point, chartaceous. Stipe 12–25 cm long, bearing scattered reduced scales with a minute peltate base and marginal crisped hairs; rachis and lower surface of lamina with scattered reduced scales. Sori marginal; indusium usually 1–2 mm long, often projecting beyond margin, very tightly attached along both sides, narrowly cylindrical.

Has a fragmented distribution between Temple Bay and Innisfail QLD. Also in Asia, Malesia and Pacific Islands.

Epiphytic, litophytic or terrestrial in rainforest, occasionally growing from Asplenium, Drynaria and Platycerium clumps.

An attractive ornamental fern that can be invasive in greenhouse situations.

Easy to cultivate in a hanging container or planted in a nest-fern in a tropical or subtropical garden or fernery. May be invasive in moist greenhouse conditions.

Similar to Davallia pyxidata but differing in lamina shape, Davallia solida having persistent rhizome scales, and by having a long creeping habit with the rhizome appressed to the substrate.