Archontophoenix alexandrae is a tall, solitary palm growing to a height of 30 m (98 ft) with a trunk up to 30 cm (12 in) diameter, often swollen at the base, and bearing prominent leaf scars.

[8] In 1875 the German botanists Hermann Wendland and Oscar Drude published a treatment of Australian palms in the journal Linnaea titled Palmae Australasicae, in which this species was renamed Archontophoenix alexandrae.

[5][7] The altitudinal range is from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft), although it is most commonly found in lowland riparian rainforest alongside river courses and swamps, often in locations that are severely inundated during heavy rain events.

Other common bird species include the Torresian imperial pigeon (Ducula spilorrhoa) and the wompoo fruit dove (Ptilinopus magnificus).

[11] This species is easily grown from fresh seed, and is very popular in cultivation in Australia, both for private gardens and as a street and park tree.