Stems clustered, climbing, to 50 m, 3-5 cm in diam. Leaf sheaths yellowish green with brown hairs, with scattered, brownish, flattened spines to 2 cm; ocreas to 10 cm, disintegrating; knees conspicuous; flagella absent; rachis to 1.5 m with to 20 lanceolate pinnae per side, these clustered in alternate groups of 2 or 3; middle pinnae 10-17 cm, 2-3 cm wide at mid-point, margins bristly; cirri to 1 m. Inflorescences to 1 m, not flagellate; inflorescence bracts tubular. Fruits brown, ovoid, to 2 × 1.6 cm, stalked, scales grooved.

This species provides a high-quality cane for binding and weaving. The palm hearts are eaten.

● Lowland rain forests; below 1000 m. Hainan.