Etymology: Greek pteros - feather or wing, referring to the form of the fronds

Terrestrial ferns. Rhizomes long-creeping, hairy. Fronds divided several times, extremely thick and leathery. Sori along the frond margins. Indusia with 2 lips consisting of the reflexed segment margin and a true inner lip.

c. 6 species, sometimes considered as a single species with many variants (2 species in Australia).

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.