This is the only species of its genus.  It is a medium sized clustering palm with slender, cane-like stems with a smooth, often reddish or maroon surface when young, turning brown with age.  It has a pale waxy crownshaft.  The crown has feather-shaped leaves with numerous, slender, arching leaflets that emerge a red color.  The inflorescence emerges from within the leaves and when in bloom, has small, purple flowers in groups of three.  The fruit is oval shaped and turns black when fully ripe.