Question
Hello Dan,

I was in Germany a couple of years ago and stayed at a B&B that had a beautifully unique, unusual house plant which I think is of the Fern genus, but am not quite sure.  

I would love to have one of these unique plants, if I can just find the name of them, AND where to buy one.

This particularly unusual plant was said to be over 20 years old, and had what appeared to be lots of long "Hairy Spider Legs" growing out of the potted plant.  There were also numerous small seeds attached to the underside of several of the leaves.  The lady of the house also had some of the "babies" from the original plant that were only 7 years old, and that she said were too young to produce seeds.  

She had, however, generously given me a few of the leaves from the "mother" plant with their seeds still attached, but unfortunately, after successfully sneaking them home to the US, the seeds were accidently thrown out by one of my daughters.

Can you identify this particular plant by my description?  I am desperately looking for it.  I do thank you most sincerely for your help in this matter.

Robyn McCall

Answer

Humata Dear Robyn;

I thank you for the interesting question.  

Your description of the plant does lead me to believe it is a fern, especially due to the description of "seeds" on the underside of the leaves.  These are typical of many ferns, and are in fact "spores", by which ferns reproduce.

As to the specific fern you are describing, I believe it might be Davallia trichomanoides (otherwise known as rabbit's foot, squirrel foot, or even tarantula foot).  You can see the picture here: http://www.ferns.com/varens.php?art=144

Alternatively, it may be Humata tyermannii (known as white rabbit's foot), which has darker leaves and white "feet".  See picture here: http://www.ferns.com/varens.php?art=155

The furry feet on these plants are in fact rhizomes, by which the plant (in nature) will crawl, spread, attach, and reproduce.

Both these types are commonly grown in small pots and hanging baskets.  They are tropical, which means they will not tolerate frost.  They should be available at your local garden center, and even at the large home-improvement centers.  They are also sold online by hobbyists and professional growers.

When caring for rabbit's foot ferns, they should be protected from frost and direct sunlight.  They need plenty of water, and will do nicely under a tree or on a part-shaded porch. They are best displayed when hung at or above eye-level, where people can appreciate the furry feet.

I hope you were able to access the photos and recognize the plant you saw.  If you are unable to find one, let me know and I will try to help.

Dan