Sticherus is a genus of about 80 types of fern.In Australia they are commonly referred to as shield ferns. In the United States they are commonly referred to as umbrella ferns.The fronds are branched at least once with each pair of branches spreading out, forming an umbrella like layer of foliage. Fronds are mostly hairless and often glaucous beneath the frond. Species include: Sticherus cunninghamii, Umbrella fern Sticherus flabellatus, Shiny fan fern Sticherus lobatus, Spreading fan fern Sticherus urceolatus