Doryopteris angelica is a comparatively large terrestrial fern, with fronds up to 60 cm long. The stipes are 2-4 times longer that the triangular leaf blade, which is up to 30 x 30 cm, and the rachises are winged between the lowest two pinnae. The species name angelica alludes to the prominent wing-like ridges on the stipes or leaf stalks of this species.
Found only in mesic forests on Kauai, Hawaii.