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Squirrel's Foot Fern
Davallia mariesii
γ·γγ
An evergreen epiphytic fern that grows on rocks and tree trunks. The rhizome is covered with fine hairs and is used to make "shinobu-dama" (hanging moss ball ornaments) for summer display. It curls up when dry and revives when watered, demonstrating remarkable desiccation tolerance.
Identification Points
- βRhizome is covered with scale-like hairs and creeps across rock or bark surfaces
- βFronds are three to four times pinnately compound, finely dissected
- βSori near the pinna tips at the margins, with cup-shaped indusia
Habitat
On rocks, tree trunks, and stone walls (epiphytic)
Season
Year-round
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf type
Compound
Phylogenetic Positionγ·γγη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Polypodiophyta > Polypodiopsida > Polypodiales > Davalliaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 50 million years agoβ)
Evolution Notes
The Davalliaceae evolved scale-covered rhizomes that enhance desiccation tolerance as an adaptation to an epiphytic lifestyle.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification