This species is a solitary palm that is one of the smaller in its genus. It has spiny leaf bases and leaves that bend backward slightly. Often, new leaves emerges a dark maroon color. The plant reaches maturity around eight years old, and is also monocarpic, which means that it can only flower once before it dies. The fruit is notable both for its large size, hard surface and snakeskin appearance. It turns yellow as it ripens.