Family Davalliaceae
Description: Epiphytic or terrestrial ferns; rhizome long-creeping or tufted and stoloniferous, densely covered with peltate-based scales; stipes sometimes articulated to the rhizome.
Fronds uniform or somewhat dimorphic, vernation circinate; lamina simple, pinnate or more compound, herbaceous to leathery, glabrous or hairy; veins mostly free.
Sori mostly indusiate, marginal or superficial, ± circular; indusium peltate, reniform or cup-shaped and opening towards the margin.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 9 genera, c. 200 species, mainly tropical, extending to temperate regions. Australia: 4 genera, 15 species, all States except S.A.
A heterogeneous family.
Text by Peter G. Wilson
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the family DAVALLIACEAE | |
| 1 | Fronds at least 2-pinnate, triangular, pinnae not articulated to the rachis | 2 |
| 2 | Sori submarginal; indusium cup-shaped, attached by the bottom and the sides; stipes articulated to the rhizome | Davallia |
| 2* | Sori superficial; indusium circular, peltately attached; stipes not articulated to the rhizome | Rumohra |
| 1* | Fronds 1-pinnate, narrow-elliptic to oblong; pinnae articulated to the rachis | 3 |
| 3 | Rhizomes erect; fronds tufted, not articulated to the rhizome | Nephrolepis |
| 3* | Rhizomes creeping; fronds distant, articulated to the rhizome | Arthropteris |
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