Rhizome ascending, densely covered with scales. Fronds caespitose. Stipes light brown, 25-35 cm, 3-4 mm in diam., densely covered with castaneous, lanceolate, shiny scales at base; upward scales becoming small or hairlike, black. Lamina pentagonal, 30-35 × 20-25 cm, tripinnate. Pinnae 8-12 pairs, subopposite or alternate, lanceolate, 13-15 × 8-10 cm, widest at base, with distinct stalks (up to 3.5 cm). Pinnules 8-10 pairs; lowest basiscopic pinnule on lowest pinna much enlarged, 6-9 × 2-4 cm, stalked. Ultimate segments 8-10 pairs, ovate-lanceolate, 1-2 cm × 5-7 mm, serrate or pinnatilobate, acute at apex. Veins pinnate; veinlets forked or simple, visible abaxially, reaching margin. Lamina subleathery, dark green; rachis and pinna rachis covered with black, lanceolate scales abaxially; pinnule rachis densely covered with dark brown, bullate scales abaxially, base of scale ciliate. Sori medial; indusia persistent, brown, reniform, stiff, entire. n = 41.

Forests; 100-1000 m. Taiwan [Japan].