This fern characterized by short, erect stems covered with black-brown to black, narrowly lanceolate scales.

The leaves are clustered at the top, with leaf stalks measuring 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in) in length and bearing scales at the base similar to those at the stem tip.

They are papery in texture, and both the leaf and pinna axes are covered with club-shaped glandular hairs.

Small pinnae emerge first on the base of the larger pinnae, measuring 15–22 mm (9⁄16–7⁄8 in) in length and 8–10 mm (5⁄16–3⁄8 in) in width, with rounded and slightly lobed tips.

The spore membranes are short, linear, occasionally appearing J-shaped, and are located near the small pinna axis.