In habitat, this species can be found in forests along seasonal streams at low elevations and in valley bottoms of foothills of adjacent mountains. This is a robust, solitary palm. It's trunk is a light yellowish green and is vertically streaked with yellowish green, elongated spots, and brownish leaf scars. This variety is distinctive in the mottled crownshaft with vertical yellow stripes. As with other species in this genus, the emergent leaves unfold a bright red and are moderately arched. The small egg shaped fruits are round and turn red when ripe.