Rhizome usually erect, covered in scales. Stipe slender, scaly. Lamina membranous, many times pinnately lobed or pinnate; rachises slender. Sori usually borne on basal portion of minor vein, numerous, single or a few double sori at base of pinnae; indusium papery, inflated, ellipsoid to oblong, opening along length.
About 400 species, mainly tropical; 10 in Australia, 1 in Victoria.
