The slender stem measures up to 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in) in diameter, is slightly bulging at the base, is light grey in colour, and has prominent leaf scars encircling the trunk.

[6][7] The pinnae (leaflets) number between 30 and 60 on each side of the rachis or midrib,[4] measure up to 84 cm (33 in) in length at the middle of the frond and shorter at each end,[4][6] and have an obliquely praemorse tip (i.e. with a jagged edge like a fishtail).

[4][6] Originally described as Seaforthia elegans in 1810 by Robert Brown in his work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen, it was given its current binomial name in 1843 by Carl Ludwig Blume in his publication Rumphia, sive, Commentationes botanicæ imprimis de plantis Indiæ Orientalis.

[10] The species is endemic to Queensland, Australia, where it grows in both tropical and sub-tropical rainforests as an understory tree, often close to rivers and streams where there is plentiful water and good drainage.

[4] The tropical species is a popular palm in gardens and parks, where its arched crown, slender trunk, and red fruit are regarded as appealing feature.