Trunks clustering to 2 m or so tall, covered with fibre and spines. Leaves densely crowded, with woolly hair on the upper surface. Leaflets numerous, stiff, shortly cut, the tips pointed and spine-like. Panicles dense, with numerous white flowers. Fruit globose, to about 2.5 cm wide, white to cream.

South America

Hardy but very slow growing. Can form a dense, almost impenetrable clump. Frost 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.