This solitary palm develops a robust, straight trunk armed with sharp, black spines, giving it a very distinctive and somewhat intimidating appearance. The crownshaft is absent, typical of the genus, and the spines extend even onto the petioles and leaf sheaths. The crown is full and arching, with pinnate leaves that are a rich, glossy green on the upper surface and paler beneath, providing a bold contrast. Its inflorescences emerge among the leaves, with cream to yellow flowers that later give way to clusters of large, oval fruits covered in a thick, woody shell. The fruit is packed with a creamy white seed fat known as murumuru butter, highly prized in cosmetics for its moisturizing qualities and in local communities for food and traditional uses.