Aspleniaceae

Small evergreen to semi-evergreen ferns that have an affinity for cliffs and other rocky places, and release their spores from structures (sori) that occur along veins on the undersides of leaflets and are long, narrow and oblique; includes Spleenworts and Wall-rue. All species in NB are uncommon to rare.

Each spore-producing structure is covered by a thin protective membrane (indusium) that is attached along one side of it.

Leaves are once- to twice-divided, with leaflets occurring on both sides of the stem (pinnate). Leaflets may be unstalked or stalked, are often elliptic to rhomboid in shape, are usually toothed at least toward their tips, and in some species may be lobed at the base.

Stems that bear leaflets are wiry, and green to black. Underground stems (rhizomes) that give rise to the tufts of leaves are small and compact.