The leaves of mature plants of this species are divided into about twelve segments, whereas those of young plants commonly have 5 segments. The segments, to 18cm x 2cm, radiate widely in an attractive pattern. An ornamental clumping palm which grows to about 2 meter tall and has very thin stems covered with brown fibres.

It is native to the Kwangsi Province of Southern China and has recently become well established in cultivation. Although generally similar to Rhapis Humilis, It shows tremendous promise because plants will also grow in temperate regions and seed is available for propagation.