This is a solitary palm with a slender, gray trunk, often slightly swollen at the base. The smooth green crownshaft gives way to a full, symmetrical crown of pinnate leaves with arching, glossy green leaflets that occasionally have delicate, thread-like fibers at their tips — a feature that inspired its name. The petioles are short and unarmed, and the entire crown has a tidy, balanced appearance that fits well in cultivated landscapes. Inflorescences emerge just below the crownshaft and carry clusters of small cream-colored flowers, later developing into bright red to orange fruits that are both decorative and attractive to birds. Still uncommon in cultivation but highly regarded for its refined tropical form and moderate size.