This is a solitary, sometimes clustering palm that forms dense stands of slender, upright stems, each heavily armed with long, black spines along the trunk and leaf bases. Its stems are typically covered in persistent, fibrous material interspersed with formidable spines. The crown consists of arching, pinnate leaves with a somewhat plumose arrangement, giving the palm a full, textured appearance, while the petioles and rachis are also densely spined. Its inflorescences emerge among the leaf bases, protected by spiny bracts, and produce creamy to yellowish flowers. The fruit is ovoid and smooth when mature, often green to yellowish, and is an important food source for wildlife in its native range. This species is well adapted to seasonally flooded environments and is often found growing along riverbanks and in swampy lowland forests.