Stems clustered, short and subterranean. Leaf sheaths and petioles not distinct from one another, to 2.9 m, densely covered abaxially with small, distinct groups of 2-10 light brown spines to 3 cm; rachis to 4.5 m; pinnae 35-42 per side of rachis, lanceolate, regularly arranged and spreading in same plane; middle pinnae 83-125 cm, 4-7 cm in diam. at middle, with spines on margins and veins adaxially. Inflorescences borne together on short stems, their production ending life of stems; each inflorescence subtended by a much reduced leaf or leaf sheath; male inflorescences several per stem, each to 1 m, closely covered with overlapping bracts; rachillae 13-24 cm; flowers borne in dyads; stamens 6; female inflorescences several per stem, contracted, hidden among leaf bases; individual inflorescences 30-40 cm; rachillae 7-10, 8-12 cm, flowers borne in dyads of 1 sterile male and 1 female flower. Fruits obovoid, to 6 × 6-8 cm, 1-3-seeded, densely covered with triangular, flattened, spinelike scales.
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