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Black Caterpillar Fern (Davallia pentaphylla)

Black Caterpillar Fern
Rhizome detail
Frond
Habit

Overview

Black Caterpillar Fern (Davallia pentaphylla) is an epiphytic fern with distinctive dark, hairy rhizomes that creep like caterpillars. Its finely divided fronds add delicate texture.

Taxonomy

Family:	Davalliaceae
Genus:	Davallia (dav-VAL-ee-uh)
Species:	pentaphylla (pen-tuh-FIL-uh)
Synonym:	Scyphularia pentaphylla
Synonym:	Davallia pycnocarpa
Synonym:	Scyphularia sinusora
Synonym:	Scyphularia pycnocarpa

Description

Rhizomes are thick, covered with black-brown hairs. Fronds are 30–60 cm long, tripinnate, with small, wedge-shaped ultimate segments. Sori are borne at the tips of veins, covered by a cup-shaped indusium.

Habitat and Cultivation

Epiphytic in tropical rainforests. Mount on wood or bark; keep rhizomes exposed. High humidity, bright indirect light, warm temperatures. Mist rhizomes regularly.

Ferns: Black Fuzzy Caterpillar with Red Rings: Giant Leopard Moth Larva; Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): Versatile, Lacy Fern for Moist Shade; Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea): Dramatic Fertile Fronds in Spring; Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia): Charming, Heart-Shaped Leaves for Terrariums; Grub Fern (Polypodium formosanum): Creeping Epiphyte with Caterpillar-Like Rhizomes; Black Tree Fern (Cyathea medullaris): Majestic New Zealand Giant with Black Trunk; Botrychium virginianum: Rattlesnake Fern; Cyathea spinulosa: Tree Fern; Hand Fern (Doryopteris palmata); Angleveln Fern (Polypodium triseriale)

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