This is a solitary palm with a slim, vertical trunk that is supported at the base by a dense cluster of stilt roots—a signature of the genus.  It lacks a crownshaft, instead presenting a gradual transition from trunk to foliage.  Its crown consists of 5 to 10 gracefully arching pinnate leaves, deep green in color, with a rugged and somewhat wild appearance; the petioles are relatively short and fibrous.  The inflorescences emerge from among the leaves and are branched, pendulous, and bear small cream-colored flowers.  It produces small, rounded to oval fruits, typically dark purple to black when ripe, each containing a single seed.  Though native to lowland rainforests in parts of South America, it remains rare in cultivation due to its sensitivity and specific environmental requirements.