Large terrestrial slow-growing ferns with a tuberous stem mostly below the soil. Fronds large, divided 2 or occasionally 3 times, to several metres long. Vegetative fronds with entire or slightly saw-toothed segments, those of fertile fronds being strongly saw-toothed. Sporangia fused into masses near the ends of veins. Sori oblong or boat-shaped.

c.60 species mstly of tropical and subtropical rainforests but extending to New Zealand.

Large ferns with thick fronds; sporangia fused into clusters (synangia) that open by a lengthwise vertical slit.

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.