Description: Epiphytic or growing on rocks; rhizome creeping, densely covered with clathrate, peltately attached scales.
Fronds variable in shape on the one plant; stipe articulated to the rhizome; lamina simple or pinnatifid, membranous to leathery; venation reticulate, conspicuous, free.
Sori without indusium, large, sunken into lamina, usually in 2 rows either side of the midvein, rarely confluent.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 50 species, Asia, Malesia & Pacific. Australia: 8 species, Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas., N.T.
Species with large sori are sometimes placed in the genus Phymatosorus but the basis for this has not been convincingly established.
Text by Peter G. Wilson
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Rhizome scales spreading and persistent; fronds membranous | Microsorum scandens |
| Rhizome scales appressed, not persistent; fronds leathery | Microsorum pustulatum |
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