Slow-growing medium to large long-lived terrestrial ferns often grown in shady spots near water. Rhizome sometimes trunk-like, erect, to 3 m tall, covered with old leaf bases. Sterile and fertile fronds similar. Fronds to 2.5 m long, erect, divided twice, leathery, glossy above. Segments finely toothed; veins free. Fertile segments narrower than non-fertile ones. Sporangia numerous, scattered over the undersurface of segments in the lower parts of fronds, stalked, opening by 2 valves.

2 species from Australia, New Zealand, S Africa and New Guinea (1 in Australia).

Spores.

No true sori or indusia; sporangia scattered on the lower surface of segments towards the base of the fronds and side branches.

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