From the Latin ‘Gymno’ ( = naked) and ‘Carpus’ ( = Fruit). This refers to the sori (spore holder) having no indusium (protective tissue).

A small genus of five species from Northern temperate regions, ideal for ground cover in moist shady beds. They have long creeping rhizomes forming colonies, the rhizomes are shallow and easy to remove so, with minimal attention, will not become invasive.