Osmundaceae Martinov
Rhizomes short, erect, lacking scales. Fronds large, 1-3-pinnate, with 2 stipular expansions at base of stipe protecting the young croziers. Sporangia scattered (not in sori), on abaxial surface of fronds, or in dense clusters on modified pinnae; indusia 0. Annulus a poorly differentiated subapical group of cells. Homosporous; spores with chlorophyll.
3 genera, 1 genus almost cosmopolitan, the others confined to southern Africa, New Guinea, Australasia and W. Polynesia.
