This species is the only one of its genus native to Africa. Found in semi-arid areas of Djibouti in the Goda Mtns, Somalia, and in Yemen in the Hadramaut region at El Mintaq and Wadi Hadjer. The rainfall is around 400mm and the elevation between 200 and 975 m. Grows along creeks and in soaks at the bottom of valleys. This is a large solitary palm with a thick trunk covered with prominent leaf scars. Its crown is topped with up to 40 fan shaped leaves that are greenish gray and have a waxy coating. The petioles are of yellowish green color except the blackish brown base which are covered with black to brown spines that are curved and irregularly arranged. The inflorescence emerges from within the leaves and have small yellow flowers. Small, round fruit turns brown to black when fully ripe.