Athyriaceae

Terrestrial or rock crevice-dwelling ferns. Rhizome often thick and stout, covered in papery scales attached by basal margin. Fronds close together, often tufted. Stipe with scales crowded near base, scattered above. Lamina thin-textured, simply pinnate to 3-pinnate; rachises and midribs rounded below, flattened above, usually grooved; veins free. Sori variable in shape, often elongate with some paired; indusium either a narrow flap, J-shaped, or inflated and oblong, round or ovate; spores bilateral.