The laciness of the fronds is a result of its being thrice-divided. The pinnae toward the base are usually more divided than the pinnae toward the tip. This fern grows in rich soil within hammocks and is not usually found in full sun. The picture above was taken along the walkway from the Fern Forest parking lot to the main building. The fronds are thin and bright green.
Several fronds arise from a common base, which is distinctively covered in reddish hairs .
It does look like the beginning of a tree fern trunk. The stem of the frond is also covered in reddish hairs. The sori are circular on the underside of the frond.