Its feather-like leaves, forming a crown at the top of the stem, are 1–2 m long, supported by a 5–6 cm long petiole, and consist of around 60 pairs of lance-shaped leaflets.

These leaflets may have 1-2 spines on both their upper and lower edges, and they are attached to the stem at a 180° angle, tapering to thorns near the petiole.

This species is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants.

Male plants produce 1-4 erect, cylindrical-ovoid cones that are 25–65 cm long and 15–22 cm wide, light green in color.

The seeds are roughly ovoid, 3–5 cm long, and have a bright red sarcotesta.