Mostly tree-like terrestrial ferns. Stems erect, usually in a dense, trunk-like mass of adventitious roots, with persistent frond bases with rusty brown hairs in the crown. Sterile and fertile fronds similar. Fronds in a crown at the top of the trunk, divided 2-3 times, rather prickly, dark green, evergreen. Sori rounded, on margins of fronds, terminal on the veins. Indusia 2-lipped cups, the outer lip formed from the reflexed lobe margin, the inner a true indusial flap.

The New Caledonian D. baudouini E. Fourn. is occasionally sold.

c. 30 species from Australasia, Polynesia and the American tropics (3 species in Australia).

Spores or occasionally offsets.

Fronds tough and slightly prickly to touch; base of fronds with fairly stiff rusty-brown hairs; sori marginal.

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