This is a massive solitary and clustering palm that forms dense stands in wetlands and swampy forests across West and Central Africa. The palm develops short, stout trunks that are often hidden by old leaf bases, giving mature clumps a robust and layered appearance. It has enormous leaves emerging directly from the crown. The leaves are among the longest in the plant kingdom, reaching well over 15 meters (50 feet) in length with hundreds of narrow leaflets forming an immense arching canopy. Its inflorescences emerge among the leaves and produce large clusters of flowers that develop into scaly, brownish fruits.