Beddome (1883) redescribed and illustrated two species of Hemionitis L. from India, H. arifolia (N.L. Burm.) T. Moore and H. griffithii (T. Moore) J. D. Hook & Thomson. The latter species is now known as Stegnogramma griffithii (T. Moore) K. Iwats. and is a member of the Thelypteridaceae. The generic affinity of the former species has remained problematical. Tryon et al. (1990, p. 245) said, "Hemionitis arifolia (Burm.) Moore is similar to Paraceterach in some technical characters, but differs in its dimorphic leaves and simple, cordate to hastate lamina with sparse indument. It is not readily included in any recognized genus." Tryon & Tryon (1982, p. 280) said that "it may be related to Syngramma or a paleotropical element of Doryopteris." Tryon & Lugardon (1991, p. 173) said that it "is an apogamous tetraploid that is excluded (from Hemionitis) on the basis of its distinctive morphology as well as its flavonoid composition." According to D. B. Lellinger (in litt.), the lamina indument of H. arifolia is unlike that of Syngramma and Doryopteris; it appears to be more like that of Hemionitis and its relatives. The stipe base and rhizome indument of H. arifolia is also unlike that of Syngramma and Doryopteris; it appears to resemble that of Cheilanthes and its relatives. The venation of H. arifolia is unlike that of Cheilanthes and Syngramma; it resembles, but does not exactly match, that of Doryopteris in forming polygonal areolae without included veinlets.