Rhizome linear in outline, 13-22 mm long; not having any persistent petiole bases; roots fleshy, horizontal, proliferous. Leaves 1 or 2, held at 50-60% from the ground. Petiole 21-48 mm long, 50-70 % of its lenght subterranean. Sterile lamina narrowly elliptic to narrowly ovate, apex pointed, base narrowly wedge-shaped to gradually tapering, 26-32 x 7-9 mm, width:lenght ratio 1:2.3-7.5, margins even. Fertile spike arising from the base of the lamina, 76-108 mm long. Sporangia in 18-22 pairs.

gracile: thin or slender, this species has (like some other Ophioglossum species) narrow leaves.

Restricted to the sandstones of the Table Mountain series, growing in ericoid scrub (fynbos) and occuring mainly on wet soils or seepage zones in light shade.

See African distribution.

South Africa.

Terrestrial.