This species is a clustering palm native to humid rainforests, where it inhabits shaded, moist understories at low to mid-elevations. Its slender stems arise in dense clusters, each supporting a graceful crown of bifid or undivided leaves with a deeply notched or sometimes undivided tip. A slender green crownshaft supports each leaf, and the smooth petiole transitions gracefully into the glossy, simple lamina. These leaves are a striking deep green above with paler undersides, held in a slightly arching form that gives the palm an elegant, almost exotic presence in the dim forest understory. Inflorescences arise just below the crownshaft, carrying small flowers that mature into bright red, ovoid fruits that are readily taken by birds.