Humata tyermannii

Humata or Davallia tyermanii is better known as the Rabbit's Foot Fern, as it develops long aerial rhizomes covered with a soft light pubescence, resembling the hairy feet of this small familiar animal. Its growth is creeping, even trailing, forming a clump of graceful fronds, finely divided in a dark green colour, and its rhizomes eventually cover completely its pot or its growing support. Not very hardy, but full of charm, it is most often cultivated as an indoor or veranda plant, in a bright and humid atmosphere. It will work wonders when suspended. In very mild climates, outdoors, this fern will thrive in a shaded rockery or in an old damp wall. Its vegetation will dry out in winter.

Humata tyermanii belongs to the family of davalliaceae. This botanical species is native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia. In nature, it is found attached to rocks or trees, never in the ground: it is said to be an epiphyte. It is a slow-growing perennial fern, which will reach about 35cm (14in) in height and spread over 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in). Its stump is slightly creeping. The plant feeds on the oldest rhizomes that decompose over time. The young shoots, called croziers, are reddish in colour. The mature fronds, somewhat leathery, are triangular, glossy, three times divided, finely cut. They are dark green in colour. The foliage persists all year round indoors, but becomes deciduous in winter outdoors. Resistant to drought, the plant will appreciate being regularly watered and misted with rainwater.

Rabbit's Foot Ferns are decorative, fun and rather easy to care for plants, but not well suited for outdoor cultivation in most temperate climates. Davallia tyermanii will be content with filtered light and air which isn't too dry. It can be placed in a perforated pot, on a well-sheltered vegetated wall, and of course, suspended. Avoid plastic containers that can prevent the roots from 'breathing'. To accompany it, consider, for example, tillandsias, Asplenium nidus, Polypodes, Billbergia and other African violets.