the trunks are solitary, are spherical or up to 1.2 meters high and 60 cm wide. the cataphylls are triangular, gradually tapered, 8 to 12 cm long, 3 to 4 cm wide at the base and usually hairy on the underside. the numerous leaves are arched, oblanceolate or lineal, 0.9 to 1.8 m long and 34 to 44 cm wide; they are flat with a rounded tip and abruptly narrowing base. the petiole is 10 to 12 cm long, has a swollen base and is densely brown hairy. the rhachis is slightly conical, smooth or slightly ridged. the leaflets are in 30 to 70 pairs; they do not overlap, are dull green, pliable, straight or bent forward. the basal leaflets are reduced to thorns. the middle leaflets are lanceolate, 18 to 26 cm long and 23 to 35 mm wide; the upper margin has two to seven spines, the lower margin no or up to six spiny teeth.