This species was only recently discovered, having been officially recognized in 2008. It is a slender, clustering fan palm with multiple narrow stems topped with graceful, costapalmate leaves divided into numerous evenly spaced segments, giving the crown a refined, airy appearance. The petioles are lightly armed near their bases with small recurved spines, while the inflorescences emerge erect among the leaves, eventually producing small, nearly spherical white fruits. In habitat, this species often forms dense colonies on steep, rocky slopes in humid forests at elevations. Thatch from this species is used to make traditional Vietnamese cone-shaped hats, hence the common name.