[1][2] The genus contains three species, one from each of the three major islands (including islets) in the chain.

Latan palms are large, single-stemmed fan palms with separate male and female plants (dioecy); when the leaves fall, they leave scars on the trunks.

Male flowers are small, in clusters, and emerge from within leathery bracts on the catkin-like inflorescences.

Female flowers are larger, solitary and not concealed within bracts.

[4] The endocarps have sculpted surfaces and the three species are readily distinguished from their pyrenes.