Rhapis excelsa grows up to 4 m in height and 30 mm in diameter in multi-stemmed clumps with glossy, palmate evergreen leaves divided into broad, ribbed segments.

Leaf-ends are saw-toothed unlike most other palms, occurring on slender petioles ranging from 20 to 60 cm in length.

This usually dioecious palm species produces a small inflorescence at the top of the plant with spirally-arranged, fleshy yellow flowers containing three petals fused at the base.

Ripe fruit are fleshy and white, though R. excelsa more readily propagates via underground rhizome offshoots.

In the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.