Members of the family Blechnaceae exhibit distinctive dimorphic fertile and sterile fronds, which are easily identifiable.

A distinctive feature of the Blechnaceae is the presence of separate fertile and sterile, photosynthetic fronds.

The fertile frond produces numerous spores which are prolific and easily collected and propagated to mature plants.

Natural division through injury of the underground rhizome may also occur as the fern ages and degradation takes place.

The species is found in many rainforests, and wet sclerophyll forests, preferring damp, shaded areas that are along creek and river beds, on the margins of water courses and waterfalls.

Aboriginal Australians also use the fern rhizomes for food, eating them raw or roasted as a source of starch.