Geographic distribution: Supposedly endemic to Papua New Guinea (Hattori & Pippo 1986) (Fig. 7.1).
Notes: Hattori (1972c) applied the epithet angulistipula to this varietyciting that the difference in the underleaf shape may be the most important character that distinguishes var. angulistipula from the typical variety. Hattori (1972c) also noted that the gemmae occur abundantly on the margin of leaf- and bract-lobes, but never on the dorsal surface as in the typical variety. In 1972, Hattori considered that gemmae production in the species may be very plastic and influenced by habitat conditions. However, later (Hattori 1974b, 1982b) maintained that both gemmae and the slight differences in the lateral margins of the underleaves were significant in distinguishing between the varieties. It is predicted that the concept of plasticity should also be extended to features associated with the underleaf, and that there may be little reason to justify recognition at the rank of variety.