This species is a clustering palm that forms dense, upright clumps of slender trunks, each heavily armed with intimidating black spines from base to crown. A smooth green to dark green crownshaft tops each stem and is also protected by sharp spines, reinforcing this palm’s famously aggressive character. The crown is composed of elegant, arching pinnate leaves with narrow, deep-green leaflets that give the palm a refined look—right up until you get too close. Inflorescences emerge below the crownshaft and branch densely, producing a striking contrast against the spiny stems. The fruits are small, oval to round, ripening to a vivid red that adds a surprising pop of color to this otherwise fierce species.