This species is a spiny and seldom-seen palm. Native to lowland rainforests, this palm makes its presence known with a striking appearance: densely clustered stems, bristling with dark spines, and topped by a stiff, upright crown of pinnate leaves.  It is a clustering palm, often forming dense thickets.  It is covered in persistent leaf bases and fearsome black spines.  The branched inflorescence emerges from the leaves and typically bears both male and female flowers on the same structure (monoecious).  The fruit is small, orange to reddish drupes when ripe.  The name "militaris" refers to its "military" defense system:  numerous sharp spines.  Due to this, it is very rare in cultivation.