A dioecious, creeping and tillering palm, growing in clumps with very spiny leaves. In palms over 100 years old, the creeping stem can reach 3-4 m, with an erect terminal leaf-bearing part 1 m tall and with many adventitious roots, most abundant towards the tip.

Similar plants:

• Salacca magnifica, Salacca zalacca (Salacca, Sala, Snake Fruit)