Brakes are ferns of the genus Pteris. Many of them have linear frond segments, and some have sub-palmate division. Like other members of the Pteridales, the frond margin is reflexed over the marginal sori.
"Brake" has often been confused with "bracken". The relationship between the two words is uncertain. If they are related, then brake is a diminution of bracken.
Some of these ferns are popular in cultivation as houseplants. These smaller species are often called table ferns.
