Rhizomes erect, apex densely clothed with subulate-lanceolate scales. Fronds caespitose; fertile fronds 30-45 cm; stipe blackish brown, 10-20 cm, 1.5-2 mm in diam., base with sparse lanceolate scales, upward glabrate; lamina 2-pinnate, subovate-deltoid, 20-25 × 6-10 cm, base slightly narrowed or broadened, apex caudate-acuminate; pinnae ca. 15 pairs, lanceolate, lower pinnae opposite, upper pinnae alternate, spreading or slightly ascending, lower pinnae shortly stalked (stalk 1-2 mm), base rounded-truncate, parallel alongside rachis on acroscopic side, pinnate, apex acuminate or obtuse; pinnules 10-13 pairs, base auriculate on acroscopic side, cuneate on basiscopic side, ascending; basal pinnules larger, oblong, margin crenate or shallowly lobed, apex rounded-obtuse; upper pinnules similar to basal pinnules but gradually smaller, decurrent and adnate to narrow wing of costule on basiscopic side; veins visible on both surfaces, pinnate in pinnules, lateral veins ca. 4 pairs, oblique, simple; rachis and costae stramineous, with needlelike spines on adaxial side at base of costa and costule, with glandular hairs or subglabrate abaxially. Sori oblong, 1-3 pairs per pinnule, on basal acroscopic veins, close to midrib; indusia pale brown, small, oblong, membranous, shallowly lobed at margin. Perispore surface without folds.

● Wet areas in forests; 1700-2200 m. Xizang.