This is a slender clustering understory palm that forms dense colonies of thin, bamboo-like stems typically reaching 2–4 m (6–13 ft) tall. The stems are green to grayish with prominent ringed nodes, and unlike some species in the genus, a crownshaft is absent, giving the plant a classic bamboo palm appearance. Its crown holds several elegant pinnate leaves with narrow, deep-green leaflets that create a soft, feathery texture well suited to shaded gardens. Inflorescences emerge among the leaves on thin branching stalks, producing small yellow flowers typical of the genus on separate male and female plants. The fruits mature to small, round black drupes, which stand out nicely against the foliage. Though occasionally cultivated by palm collectors, it remains uncommon in the nursery trade, largely due to its limited native distribution.