About Davallia canariensis (L.) Sm.
Davallia canariensis (L.) Sm. is a spreading, deciduous fern with thick, scaly rhizomes and broad, finely-divided fronds. It grows up to 50 cm (20 in) tall and 100 cm (39 in) broad. This fern is distributed across the western Mediterranean Basin, ranging from Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and Madeira to Morocco and the western Iberian Peninsula, which includes western Portugal, as well as northwest and southwest Spain. It grows on tree trunks and branches, and on mossy siliceous rocks, in cool and humid places that have oceanic influences. It can be found from sea level up to 600 m (2,000 ft) in altitude. Its Latin specific epithet canariensis means "from the Canary Islands". Since it is only hardy down to 5 °C (41 °F), it must be grown under glass as a houseplant in temperate climates. It may be placed outside in a sheltered spot during the summer months. This plant has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
