Clustering high-climbing rattan palm, scandent stems to 40m. Leaf sheath with flattened triangular spines to 22mmx 10mm, pinnate leaves to 2.5m with black-tipped claws & scattered prickles on margins, up to 60 pairs of leaflets to 350mm x 15mm, spiny beneath & on margins. Female axillary spadix to 3m long with spiny bracts, with secondary branches to 350mm long, female flowers 5mm long. Male spadix to 3m long with armed secondary spathes to 20mm long, rachillae to 100mm long. Beaked fruit 20mm x 12 with straw-coloured scales & short beak.
Used for tying on roofs, thatching, parts eaten, used in making suspension bridges, fish traps etc, stems used for furniture, bow strings, baskets, flutes, weaving