This solitary palm has a slender, reddish brown trunk, a well-developed, velvety, reddish brown crownshaft that is armed with long spines when young but unarmed in older plants, and elegantly arching, pinnate leaves that are whitish below. Currently considered critically endangered due to habitat destruction to make way for sugarcane plantations, and its high value as edible and medicinal plant. The palm heart is a delicacy.