Rhizome short-creeping with fleshy roots and sometimes forming a short trunk. Stalks fleshy to over 1 m long and covered with warty bumps, and 'eared' at the base. Blades to 4 m long, divided 2-3 times, oblong to ovate in outline. Segments dark green and glossy above, from about 10-25 cm long, base asymmetric; tip long-pointed; margins minutely toothed to entire. Sori along the veins close to the margin, several fused together, each opening by a transverse slit and the common structure opening by a lengthwise slit.

Needs shelter and warmth. Sometimes referred to as M. salicina Sm.

NE Qld, Lord Howe I., NZ, Polynesia.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Marattiaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Marattia oreades)