This is a solitary, fan-leaf palm with a stout, upright trunk that can appear either partially subterranean when young or clearly above ground as it matures. The trunk is gray to brown and often retains old leaf bases in younger specimens before becoming cleaner with age. It carries a dense crown of costapalmate leaves that are strongly rigid, with bluish-green to gray-green tones and prominent costa extensions that give the leaves a bold, architectural look. The petioles are unarmed and sturdy, transitioning cleanly into the leaf blade, and the crown forms a compact, wind-resistant canopy. Large, branched inflorescences extend beyond the leaves and produce small, round black fruits when ripe.