The pinnate leaves, up to 5 m, are carried on long, hairy petioles which disintegrate into black, fibrous masses against the trunk.

Developing from one carpel, the fruit matures to red in color, may be ellipsoidal, laterally flattened or disciform,[3] and contains one seed.

[4] Endemic to western Brazil, southern Venezuela and Colombia's Amazonian regions, all are low lying and occupy periodically flooded, tropical rain forest.

Leopoldinia palms are rare in cultivation and practically unknown in herbaria but are extensively used in their natural range.

The fruit from L. piassaba is mashed and mixed with water creating a thick, alcoholic beverage;[3] the tough, long leaf base fibers, known as pissava, are commercially viable as a source for rope, brooms, and other products.