This species is a small shrub-like clustering palm native to lowland forests throughout Southeast Asia. It has slender stems with old leaf sheaths. Leaves are simple or rarely pinnate and spread radially from the stem. It can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the lack of a crownshaft. The inflorescence emerges through the leaf bases. Small, oval fruit turns red as it becomes ripe. This is an excellent and very rare species for tropical or warm subtropical gardens.