Trunks many, to 5 m tall, 10 cm wide, woody. Leaves erect on long slender petioles, green to yellowish-green. Leaf blades to 1 m or so wide and long. Leaflets wedge-shaped, the tips ending abruptly in jagged teeth, the central leaflet largest. Leaf stalks 2-3 m long, margins with reflexed triangular spines to about 1 cm long along the margin. Panicles longer than leaves. Flowers white. Fruit about 1 cm long, red.

SE Asia

A widespread species of coastal districts, often growing adjacent to mangroves.

Slow growing, adaptable and very sun tolerant.

Source: Jones, D; Spencer, R. (2005). Arecaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.