The species was long classified in the genus Pellaea, but after a phylogenetic study in 2015 was transferred to Argyrochosma.

Leaf stalks and axes are a shiny brown; the leaves have a papery texture, and unlike many members of the genus, are free of light-colored farina (a powdery flavonoid secretion) beneath.

The rhizome is short and upright, bearing thin, twisted brown scales of uniform color, subulate-lanceolate in shape.

The stipe (the stalk of the leaf, below the blade) is dark brown, round, and brittle, about 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 in) long.

[1] The blade tissue turns brownish-green when dried; it is papery in texture, and both sides lack scales, hairs, or farina.

These are not well differentiated from the rest of the leaf, and are narrow and pale green in color, with wavy or irregular margins.

[7] In 2018, Maarten J. M. Christenhusz transferred the species to Hemionitis as H. connectens, as part of a program to consolidate the cheilanthoid ferns into that genus.

It is rare, growing in the crevices of limestone rocks in hot, dry valleys at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,800 meters (6,200 to 9,200 ft).