[3] It is endemic to Madagascar as is reflected in the species name (onilahensis) referring to the Onilahy River, south of Toliara.

Dypsis onilahensis is a pinnate leaved, clustering palm typically growing in clusters of 3 - 10 trees with adult trees in ideal conditions growing to 10 – 20 m high in height with stems of around 15 cm in diameter.

Leaves grow up to 2 m in length with up to 70 pinnae (leaflets) of 30 cm or more and arch pendulously downwards giving the palm a graceful weeping appearance.

Although its potential native range is large the habitat is prone to destruction by fire.

Outside of Madagascar D. onilahensis is fairly common in cultivation in sub-tropical and warm temperate climates including South Africa, California, southern Florida and Australia.