Thicket-forming rattan climbing palm, scandent stems to 10m. Leaf sheaths armed with spines to 8mm long. Leaves to 3m ending in a short cirrus to 200mm long, 25 leaflets each side, bristly leaflets to 500mm x 50mm. Spadix to 2.5m long, primary spathes unarmed or with small spines. Fruit to 30mm x 20mm.
Young leaves used locally for cigarette papers