This is a medium-sized palm endemic to the rainforests of New Guinea. Although uncommon in cultivation, it is prized by palm enthusiasts for its exceptionally clean appearance, slender trunk and pale crownshaft.  This is one of the larger and more stately species of this genus. The graceful crown consists of finely divided leaflets arranged in an irregular fashion, giving the foliage a soft, feathery texture that moves beautifully in the breeze.  New leaves emerge a deep bronze/maroon color.  The branched inflorescences emerge from below the crownshaft and produce numerous small cream-colored flowers. As the fruit matures, it ripens to a brilliant scarlet red, providing a striking contrast against the green foliage and attracting birds in its native habitat.  Young plants are often mistaken for Ptychosperma waitianum, but mature specimens develop a much taller stature with a noticeably lighter crownshaft and a more open canopy. The specific epithet nicolai honors Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, reflecting the tradition of commemorating notable historical figures through botanical nomenclature.