Rhizome creeping, narrow, sparsely hairy. Fronds irregularly spaced, semi-erect, 2–8 cm long. Rachis with narrow wing which may extend on to stipe. Lamina up to 3-pinnate, divided on, both sides of primary pinnae, shape variable, green to dark green, dull, ultimate segments short and broad; margin coarsely serrate; apex slightly wider, blunt. Sori large, only 1 per pinna, terminal on short segments arising from secondary rachis (adjacent to main rachis), not immersed in lamina; indusium deeply 2-lipped wider than segment, broadly obovate, apical margins sharply toothed or almost entire, ripe sporangia sometimes protruding.
MuM, GleP, VVP, VRiv, GipP, OtP, WaP, CVU, GGr, DunT, EGL, EGU, WPro, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz, MonT, HFE, VAlp. Also Qld, NSW, Tas. (including Bass Strait islands). New Zealand. Common throughout all but north of State, and comparatively drought resistant (curled, partly dried fronds can be rejuvenated). It can form dense mats among mosses or humus in a wide range of cool, shaded habitats, or grow on rocks, rotting logs or tree-ferns in rainforests.
