Rhizome shortly creeping, c. 5 mm in diameter; rhizome scales linear, of one type, discolorous with a central dark stripe and light brown membranous margins. Stipe 2-3 times as long as the lamina, pale brown to strawcoloured, with few scales at the base, otherwise glabrous. Fronds densely tufted, erect, distinctly dimorphic, differing both in size and stipe length as well as in shape and degree of lamina dissection. Lamina outline variable, differing from subsp. dimorpha by a narrower basal angle and a smaller number of ultimate segments; dried lamina bent over sharply at an angle of 90° or more with the stipe. Sterile frond repeatedly dichotomously divided into linear segments, segments narrower than in subsp. dimorpha, segments apices more or less acute, with few terminal teeth and some additional ones continuing downwards. Fertile frond resembling those of subsp. dimorpha. Sori in submarginal lines, partly obscured by reflexed margin; indusium continuous, membranous.

Differs from A. dimorpha subsp. dimorpha in having only one type of discolous rhizome scales, a stipe that is 2-3 times as long as the lamina and a lamina outline that is variable.
Note: F.T.E.A., tropicos, African Plant Database do not distinguish these subspecies.

Open habitats on sunny rocks and in more or less shaded places in miombo woodlands on rocky slopes.

Zambia

Zambia.

Lithophytic, terrestrial.