Tall looping climbing palm. Leaf sheaths armed with black spines to 18mmn x 12mm, leaf sheath flagella to 7m. Leaves to 2m long, spinescent beneath, leaflets to 450mm x 20mm. Dark green spathes to 400mm x 12mm with 25mm long brown spines. Male spadix to 1.2m long with spikelets to 250mm long with 8-10 spikelets each side to 40mm long with 10-12 flowers each side, male flower 5mm long. Female spadix to 750mm long with 25 spikelets, largest to 100mm long with 18-20 flowers each side. Beaked fruit 14mm x 10mm.