Description: Rhizome erect and arborescent, usually at least 1 m high, covered with hairs and persistent stipe bases.
Fronds spreading, large, somewhat dimorphic; lamina 2–3-pinnate, the middle pinnae always the longest.
Sori circular, marginal, borne on the ends of veinlets; indusium 2-valved, cup-shaped, the lips ± equal, the inner lip brown.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 30 species, Malesia to Australia, Polynesia, Mexico to South America, & St Helena. Australia: 3 species, Qld, N.S.W., Vic., Tas., S.A.
Text by Peter G. Wilson
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Base of stipes with a clump of red-brown hairs; sori c. 1 mm diam | Dicksonia antarctica |
| Stipes covered with stiff, dark red-brown hairs for much of its length; sori c. 2 mm diam | Dicksonia youngiae |
|
