All are large palms with leaves ranging from 2–5 metres in length.

They reach heights of 20–40 m and with a trunk diameter of up to 1-2.5 m. All the species are monocarpic and die after flowering.

The genus is relatively slow growing and can take many years to form a trunk.

These are traditionally cooked into various desserts and dishes, most notably the binignit.

[4] The Buntal Hat Festival is celebrated in Baliuag, Bulacan yearly every 6th of May.