Etymology Latin xipho sword + phyllum leaves, referring to the spiny margins.

Description Rhizome: erect.
Frond: 45 cm high by 7 cm wide, evergreen, monomorphic or weakly dimorphic, blade/stipe ratio: 5:4.
Stipe: grooved, lower scales ovate or lanceolate with dark brown cilia on the margins, vascular bundles: 4 or more, in an arc.
Blade: 1-pinnate, lanceolate, glossy, linear scales below.
Pinnae: 20 to 22 pair, eared upwards; margins serrate, spiny; veins free, forked, anadromic.
Sori: round, terminal on veins, indusium: peltate, entire, persistent, central, sporangia: yellow or brownish to black.

Culture Distribution: India, Taiwan, peninsular Malaysia, W-China, rare. Hardy to -20°C, USDA Zone 6.

Synonyms
Aspidium xiphophyllum Bak.
Polystichum gladiipinnum Tagawa