It is often found growing on the base of the King Fern. Todea barbara is known as the king fern. The king fern grows readily in gardens in temperate or subtropical climates. King fern can be grown from spores, but this is extremely slow. Common names include giant fern, king fern, oriental vessel fern, and mule's foot fern. The king fern grows up to tall, but has a short stumpy base.