Brassaiopsis sumatrana var. variaefolia
Content
Description
A smaller, more delicate and unarmed shrub than var. sumatrana, with the leaves scattered along the branches.
Leaves smaller (10-20 cm long) and variable in shape, even on the same branch, being either simple and ovate, or deeply bi- or trilobed, or digitately compound.
Notes
It is possible that Ridley was correct in regarding this as a distinct species, but the size and shape of the inflorescence links it with B. sumatrana, and the variable form of the leaf suggests that it may be no more than an extreme form of B. sumatrana. Nevertheless, typical forms of that species, with their stout prickly stems and rather coarse palmately lobed leaves, are very distinct. On the evidence available it is not possible to decide whether this variety consists of shade and/or juvenile forms of B. sumatrana, or whether it should constitute a distinct species.