Identifying the 'Hairy Spider Leg' Plant: Rabbit's Foot Fern Varieties

A traveler (Robyn) saw a 20+ year old plant in a German B&B with long "hairy spider legs" growing from the pot and seeds on leaf undersides. The owner gave her leaves with seeds, but they were lost. She wanted to find and buy the plant.

Identification

The "seeds" are spores—typical of ferns. The description matches two rabbit's foot ferns:

• Davallia trichomanoides (rabbit's foot, squirrel foot, tarantula foot): Photo
• Humata tyermannii (white rabbit's foot): Darker leaves, white "feet": Photo

Rhizomes = "Legs"

The furry legs are rhizomes that crawl, spread, and attach in nature.

Care & Availability

• Tropical: no frost, no direct sun.
• Plenty of water; thrives under trees or on part-shaded porches.
• Best displayed hanging at or above eye level.
• Available at garden centers, home improvement stores, and online.