The Brilliant, glossy, scarlet leaf-bases and petioles which characterise this tropical species make it one of the most colourful and ornamental of all palms.

With this colour contrasting with its dark green, erect leaflets and added to the neat, clumping habit, it is perhaps surprising that the species is not more widely grown than it is at present. There is some suggestion that it may not be an easy plant to establish and it is certainly very tropical in its requirements.

Plants will grown in shade or full sun and require plenty of water at all times. The slender stems grow to about 6 meter tall. Also excellent in large containers.

The palm is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo and grows in near coastal swamps. Seed should be sown soon after collection as it loses its viability rapidly. Germination usually takes place within 2 months of sowing.