Rhizome long-creeping, thin, usually branched. Sterile fronds evergreen, spread along the rhizome. Stalk length depending generally on water depth. Leaflets clover-like, 4 in 2 pairs, narrow to fan-shaped; veins joining one-another. Sporing structures arising from the base of the stalk.

c. 60 species world-wide, mostly tropical (7 species in Australia).

Division or spores.

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