Etymology Caryotideum means Caryota-like, and that comes from the genus Caryota, palms with pinnate leaves.

Description Rhizome: erect, short, a few fronds in a tuft, becoming massive in age, scales dark brown, 1--1.5 cm long.
Frond: 70 cm high , evergreen, monomorphic, blade/stipe ratio: 2:1.
Stipe: rather densely scaly at base, vascular bundles: 4 or more, in an arc.
Blade: 1-pinnate, oblong-lanceolate, leathery, gray-green, filiform scales below, glabrous above.
Pinnae: 3 to 6 pair, large, sometimes with pointed ears at the base, a terminal pinna largest; margins minutely serrate, spiny; veins netted.
Sori: round, small, in 2 or 3 rows parallel to the midrib, indusium: peltate, grayish, sometimes darker in center, central, sporangia: brown.

Culture Habitat: on muddy crevices of limestone in mountain forests. Distribution: Japan, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Hawaii. Hardy to -20°C, USDA Zone 6.

Synonyms
Aspidium caryotideum Wall. ex Hook. et Grev.
Polystichum caryotideum (Wall.) Diels