Rhizome long-creeping, to 5 mm wide, covered with yellow-brown hairs. Stalk densely hairy, especially in the grooves. Blade divided 2-3 times, mostly more than 70 cm long, ovate to lanceolate in outline. Sori less than 1 mm wide.

Needs shelter and warmth.

India to Japan, China, Polynesia.

 

Microlepia firma Mett. ex Kuhn from China is occasionally offered: it has fronds divided 4 times, axes of branches with bristly hairs and ultimate segments with pointed teeth.

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Dennstaedtiaceae. 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.