It is endemic to the Seychelles, being fairly widespread on the larger islands of the group, such as Mahé, Silhouette, Praslin, and La Digue.

[2] It is found in forests, but is one of only a few native plants in the Seychelles that can colonise dry and eroded areas, as it is capable of withstanding full sunlight and periods of drought.

The stems are heavily ringed with leaf scars, formed by the loss of leaves, and bear black spines on younger plants.

The leaves can reach up to two metres in length; they have a crinkled appearance due to the prominent veins, and are split at the ends with orange-edged serrations.

[3] This palm is adaptable and is able to colonise disturbed habitat; however, some populations may be threatened by fire (on Praslin), development, or invasive species.