Synonyms: Phegopteris unidentata (Hook. & Am.) J. Sm. var. paleacea Hillebr.; Dryopteris acutidens C. Chr.; D. unidentata var. acutidens (C. Chr.) Fraser-Jenk. [Dryopteris latipaleata and D. rockii of some circulated checklists]

Endemic

Latin paleaceus, chaffy, in reference to the plentiful scales. Fronds 3-to 4-pinnate, 1-2 m long. Stipe base scales large, prominent, dense, somewhat deltate to linear-triangular, distal stipe scales prominent and plentiful. Rachises and costae with numerous, rather wide scales. Ultimate segments close to distant, to 1.5-2.5 mm wide, variable in width, some nearly as narrow as those in D. tetra-pinnata, obtuse and crenate to deeply lobed, tips usually with 2 or more small teeth, scabness continuing into ultimate segments. Sori occasionally stalked.

Scarce, but numerous in scattered sites in wet forests, 450-1,675 m, all major islands except Lana 'i.

Dryopteris unidentata var. paleacea may be distinguished from var. unidentata by its prominent and plentiful covering of generally larger scales on the stipes, rachises, and costae; and its mostly narrower ultimate segments.