Perennial fern with a short, prostrate rhizome. Fronds are erect up to 40cm long, leathery; rachis is wiry and blackish- brown in colour. Sori are marginal, usually covered by a continuous indusium formed by a reflexed margin.

Greek: pellos = dark coloured; referring to the blackish-brown colour of the rachis.

The ferns preference to grow on or amongst rocks gives it its common name Cliffbrakes.