In the 1700s, this palm species was described from specimens taken from the mountain Pieter Both, where it seems to have been widespread at the time.

The palm is about 12 metres (39 ft) high with a relatively thin gray trunk with a waxy crown shank.

It is said to resemble the green variety of H. indica – another Hyophorbe palm species which also does not develop a swollen trunk.

It is reported to have white to cream-colored flowers on an inflorescence with three-ordered branching.

A study in 2010 reported successful germination in vitro (by isolating and growing embryos extracted from seeds in tissue culture).