One unique character is that the leaves appear to be truncated near the apex because the middle and distal leaflets have similar lengths.

In its native range, Microcycas calocoma grows in small groups of 10–50 plants in montane forests at 85–250 m elevation.

It is listed under CITES Appendix I which prohibits international trade in specimens of this species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research.

Although Microcycas calocoma's round crown and shiny drooping leaves make it a very ornamental plant, cultivation is limited due to the lack of growing material.

There is also a potential concern about reproductive failure due to the extinction of pollinators, although further verification is required to confirm this.