Gleichenia

Rhizome bearing lanceolate or deeply laciniate scales, resembling stellate hairs in appearance. Fronds branching repeatedly into two as a result of the abortion of the terminal buds, without a pair of stipule-like pinnae at the primary branching of the fronds. Ultimate segments borne only on the distal lamina axes; veins simple or forked once. Branches of lamina with dormant apices of the highest order 2-pinnatifid. Sori with very few sporangia.