Cyathea recommutata is a species of tree fern native to the Malay Peninsula, central and southern Sumatra and Borneo, where it grows in acidic peaty or sandy soils in wet forest, as well as swamp forest, from sea level to an altitude of 1500 m. The trunk is erect and rarely taller than 3 m. Fronds are bipinnate and 1–2 m long. Characteristically of this species, the lowest pair of pinnae are usually reduced and occur towards the base of the stipe. The stipe itself is dark dark and bears dark, glossy basal scales with thin, fragile edges. Fertile pinnules are notably smaller than sterile ones. Sori occur near the fertile pinnule midvein and lack indusia.