This species is a relative of Cocos nucifera. It is a solitary, medium sized palm with a trunk ringed with leaf scars and covered with tightly woven brown fibers. The leaves are green, very large, and grow almost directly from the top of the trunk with almost no petiole. The inflorescence emerges among the leaves with a long stalk which splits open reveal yellow flowers. The small, oval fruit turns purplish brown as it ripens. It is threatened by habitat loss in its native range.