This is a massive solitary palm that develops a sturdy trunk, often partially concealed by persistent leaf bases when young. Its crown consists of large, costapalmate leaves that form a full, rounded canopy, with green to slightly bluish-green segments and sturdy petioles that may display small marginal teeth. The inflorescences are long and arching, extending beyond the leaves and bearing numerous small, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators. The palm produces small, round fruits that mature from green to dark brown or black and are favored by wildlife. Because this species is seldom encountered in cultivation and remains poorly known compared with other species of its genus, it is considered quite rare in horticulture.