In habitat, this species is an understory palm found in cooler rainforests. It is a clustering palm with slender reddish brown stems. Its crown has numerous long pinnate leaves with fine leaflets. New leaves emerge with a pink hue before turning to red, then finally a deep green color. The branched inflorescence often hangs downward, but is sometimes erect. The small, fruit is shaped like an ellipsoid and turns red when fully ripe.