This species is a solitary, sometimes clustering tropical palm characterized by its large, feather shaped leaves, long leaf stalks, and fibrous leaf sheaths.  In its natural habitat, this species can be found growing in lowland swamp forests.  This very large palm is fast growing and is notable for having some of the longest leaves of any palm species, some reaching up to 20m.  The leaves are stiff, slightly arching and the leaflets are covered in spines.  This species monocarpic, meaning it flowers and fruits only once, then dies.  The large, oval shaped fruit turns glossy brown when ripe and is covered with scales.