This species is a spiny, evergreen, climbing palm producing a cluster of long slender stems. It is often found in wet areas and can climb high into the surrounding trees. Unbranched in its lower parts, the stem often produces a number of branches in the canopy where it can form considerable entanglements. Many species in this genus have ants living on them in structures evolved by the plant known as ocreas, hence the common name. It is a monocarpic species, and can grow for many years without flowering, then flowers prolifically before setting seed and dying. The flowers are produced in panicles at the ends of the stems