In habitat, this species can be found in moist to wet tropical forests and valleys at 700-1000m elevation. It is a medium sized solitary palm with pale gray trunk that is vertically grooved. The crown has large, shallowly divided fan light green leaves. When in bloom, the inflorescence is a terminal cluster with simple or compound branches and small pale yellow or greenish yellow flowers. The fruit can be oval or spherical, and can range from 0.75 inches to over 2 inches in diameter. When ripe, the fruit is shiny black. The conservation status of this species considered "endangered" due to the small number of mature palms and the threats to their survival.