Doryopteris pedata aka Digit Fern

Doryopteris pedata is an evergreen fern known as the hand fern. It belongs to the Pteridaceae family and grows as a perennial. Its native range runs from the Caribbean to northern Venezuela. Kew places it in the wet tropical climate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In cooler places, the RHS lists it for indoor or protected growing.

This fern forms a compact clump with deeply lobed fronds. The RHS gives a garden height and spread of up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its description also notes heights of 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. Dark veins mark the fronds, which sit on thin, wiry black stems. The leaves stay on the plant through the seasons. Their shape and the dark stems give this small fern its distinct look.

The plant bears two forms of frond within the same clump. Shorter, sterile fronds have a palmate shape, like an open hand. The fertile fronds rise above them on taller stems. These taller fronds also have narrower lobes than the sterile ones. This contrast gives the clump leaves at different heights. The RHS lists spores as one way to raise new plants. It also lists division in late spring as a second method.

Grow it in loose compost rich in humus. The RHS lists loam and an acid or neutral soil pH. Keep the compost moist, but allow excess water to drain. Give it bright, filtered light rather than an exposed site. The growing profile also lists partial shade and a sheltered position. Its cultivation notes call for a minimum temperature of 15°C. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H1B. This rating allows outdoor growing in summer, rather than year-round garden planting.

The RHS suggests this fern for pots, patios, and indoor displays. It also suits a conservatory or greenhouse with the right warmth. Its compact size makes containers a listed use. Routine pruning consists of cutting off dead or damaged fronds as needed. The RHS reports that pests and diseases are not usual problems. The supplied sources give no guidance on eating this fern. They also give no clear statement about its safety for people or pets.