The first common name of this palm arises from the clumps of slender, golden stems and leaf stalks that each plant produces. The stems grow up to 10 meter tall and each is topped with a crown of curved, yellowish-green pinnate fronds.

New canes are produced from the base of the clump as the older canes mature. This spineless and very decorative palm is native to Madagascar where it grows in large thickets along streams, in littoral forests and in sand dunes.

The golden colouration is especially pronounced in starved specimens or tose grown in a very hot, sunny position. Golden Cane Palm is very popular in the tropics and subtropics but can even be grown in temperate regions. It is however, rather cold-sensitive when young.

Plants prefer a sunny position in rich, well-drained soils. Large plants are often used for indoor decoration but need very bright light. Seed germinates easily but it may take four to five months for seedlings to appear.