Robust clustering rattan climbing palm to 30m. Leaf sheaths densely covered in black spines to 60mm long. Leaves to 4m, armed above with scattered erect spines to 1.5m, cirrus to 2m long armed with grapnel-like spines. Leaflets to 75 per side, papery leaflets to 800mm x 20mm armed with short reddish bristles both surfaces. Pendulous male inflorescence to 1.2m long. Male spikelets to 20mm long with 10-12 flowers to 4mm long. Female inflorescence pendulous to 600mm long with a leathery bract 170mm x 30mm covered in spines, spikelets to 100mm long with 10 flowers each side. Female flowers to 4mm long, corolla with 3 triangular coriaceous teeth.