This species is a solitary palm with a smooth to slightly textured trunk, marked by the persistent, ring-like scars left by old leaf bases. The coloration is typically a light brown to grayish tone, which may subtly change with age.  Its crown is topped with large leaves, with a well-defined central midrib that extends nearly to the tip. The broad fronds arch gracefully.  The leaves are a deep, glossy green, while the undersides can be slightly lighter.  The branched inflorescence emerges from among the leaves.  It has small, cream colored flowers.   The small oval shaped fruit turns from green to orange or red as it ripens.