Davalliaceae - Rabbit's foot ferns

Photo: P. Ballings
Mozambique

 

Description of the family

Terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic plants. Rhizome creeping, laterally branched with peltate rhizome-scales. Stipe articulated near the base. Fronds numerous, monomorphic, much dissected, usually triangular, 2- to 5- pinnatifid. Lamina pinnately compound; venation free, pinnately branched, ending near the margin. Indumentum composed of narrow bracts with short marginal outgrowths occurring on the rhizome and short, simple, gland-tipped hairs occurring on the lamina.Sori small, round, terminal on the veins near the margin. Indusium attached at the sides forming a pouch-like structure, opening towards the margin, entire; homosporus.

Worldwide: 4-5 genera and c. 65 species worldwide.

 

Genera

  • Davallia Sm.
  • Humata Cav.
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    Literature

  • Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. & Burrows, S.M.2011Ferns of Southern Africa, A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature.
  • Jacobsen, W.B.G.1983The Ferns and Fern Allies of Southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban and Pretoria.
  • Roux, J.P.2001Conspectus of Southern African Pteridophyta. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report, 13: 1-222.
  • Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E.1970Pteridophyta. Flora Zambesiaca, 0: 1-254.

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