This is a rare, understory palm endemic to the lowland rainforests, where it thrives at low elevations near the coast in volcanic, nutrient-poor soils.  It is a solitary, single-stem species with a neat, bipinnate leaflet arrangement.  A standout feature is its striped petiole that mimics the pattern of a local snake—giving it the “snakeskin” moniker.  The inflorescence emerges between the leaves, hanging in long, branched clusters that carry both male and female flowers, a feature that gives it an unusual look compared to other species of this genus. The fruit ripens to a small round, black berry that should be handled with care due to the irritating oxalate crystals typical of fishtail palms.  Like other species of this genus, this species is monocarpic, meaning the palm dies after flowering and fruiting.