This is solitary palm that develops a slender, smooth trunk that can reach moderate heights. In habitat, this species grows in swampy areas and tropical rain forests, usually near rivers, in areas subject to flooding. The crown is formed by large, fan-shaped leaves with a glossy green surface, their segments divided in a way that creates a somewhat circular fan. Inflorescences emerge among the leaves, carrying small flowers that eventually give way to clusters of rounded fruits. The fruits are typically small and covered in scales, a trait that gives the genus its name (Chelyocarpus means “tortoise fruit”). In the wild, this palm is rarely encountered outside its native habitat, which makes it especially noteworthy among collectors.