Parablechnum are distinguished from other Blechnaceae by their dimorphic fertile and sterile fronds, coriaceous laminae, and mucilaginous fiddleheads. The species are not well understood. Andean plants with peg-like aerophores such as this have been called P. lechleri. Petiole and rachis color of these plants varies from atropurpureous to stramineous, or mixed. This plant is also densely tomentose along the rachis, a character not usually present in P. lechleri.