A palm of the Tropical Rainforest, it prefers the coastal low land regions below 500 metres in altitude. The palm has a slim trunk and grows to a height of 15 metres. Green flowers appear in large sprays. Small red to yellow fruit, attach to tough yellow stems or thongs, grow around the terminal bud area. These palms have two fruiting seasons: Jan, Feb, Mar and Jul Aug, Sep.

The ripe red fruit can be eaten raw and have a sweet taste. The edible cabbage of the palm may be eaten however this of course kills the plant . . .