This species is a notable solitary palm. It has a smooth, slender trunk that is up to 15 cm in diameter. The leaves are large and arching, but undivided except for the bifid leaf. In habitat, it is found in only one valley on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. It has been reduced to about a dozen individuals in the wild. Habitat loss and introduced non-native animal species such as rats, goats and pigs have resulted in its decline. The seeds are too large to be carried by birds and don't disperse well in water. Long ago, it was apparently cultivated and carried from island to island, possibly because of its edible seeds.