Terrestrial. Rhizome dichotomously branched, near the apex protected by peltate scales. Fronds of mature plants usually with indefinite growth in length, bearing primary branches in pairs. Scales on dormant apex of rachis nearly black, edges bearing oblique black setae; scales on growing main rachis usually with a paler median band; rachis-branches when young bearing many dark stellate hairs with rigid rays (so close that hairs touch each other but do not completely obscure surface of rachis) and also very narrow ciliate scales 2 mm long and some long lax multicellular hairs; a similar indumentum on upper surface of costae at first, later deciduous; indumentum on lower surface of costae and costules mostly of dark rigid stellate hairs, with a few scales at bases of costae; dark stellate hairs scattered abundantly on veins and lamina beneath, persistent. Main rachis-branches c. 150 cm long, the lowest pinnules stipule-like, 3.5 cm long, deltoid, with very narrow deeply pinnatifid basal lobes; pinnules commonly 20 cm long, 3–4 cm wide, the base of the costa distinctly deflexed; costae 4–5 cm apart, costules c. 5 mm apart; segments of lamina 3.5–4 mm wide, rather thin, their apices broadly rounded and sometimes retuse; veins distinctly raised on upper surface and slightly so below; sporangia 3–4 in each sorus