Family: Davalliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Davallia solida, commonly known as giant hare’s foot fern, is a tropical fern native to parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. It is especially admired for its creeping, fuzzy rhizomes that resemble a rabbit’s or hare’s foot and trail over the edges of pots, rocks, or tree trunks. The plant produces finely divided, lacy green fronds that create a soft, lush appearance. Giant hare’s foot fern is widely grown as an ornamental plant in hanging baskets, containers, and shaded garden settings, where its unusual texture and spreading habit make it a popular choice for adding tropical character.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, giant hare’s foot fern is naturalized on Oʻahu but is currently considered low risk. It spreads primarily by creeping rhizomes and spores, typically establishing in moist, shaded areas such as gardens or disturbed forest margins. While it can form small patches, it has not shown aggressive invasive behavior or widespread impacts on native ecosystems. Gardeners can help prevent unwanted spread by disposing of plant material responsibly and avoiding planting near sensitive natural areas. With mindful management, this attractive fern can continue to be enjoyed without posing significant ecological concerns.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1500 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Possibly naturalizing on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands (confirmation needed)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by spores and vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Spores dispersed by wind and possibly water
  
• Intentionally propagated
  
• Presumably prolific spore production

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization to date
  
• Cultivated, but not reported as naturalized, in Hawaiian Islands
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental