L. ramsayi is a distinctive palm with a single trunk to 16 m (52 ft) tall and 20 cm (7.9 in) diameter.

The fruits are a red drupe around 10 mm (0.39 in) diameter containing a single seed.

In favourable conditions it may dominate small areas, forming a "fan palm forest".

tuckeri is found in Cape York Peninsula southwards to about Cooktown,[2] while L. ramsayi var.

[1] Trees provided an edible cabbage to Aboriginals, as well as thatch, food wrapping, and cigarette papers (from young leaves)[5] Fruits are eaten by cassowaries.