A gregarious shrub, up to 7 m high with bent stems supported by aerial roots. Leaves ensiform, caudate-acuminate, 0.75-1.75 m long, margin spinose, spines pointing forward. Inflorescence axillary. Male flowers: a cylindric spike of numerous flowers, 4-11 x 2-2.5 cm, enveloped in white fragrant spathes; anthers longer than filament, basifixed. Female flowers: carpels in groups of (4-) 6-16; stigmas short, reniform. Drupe an aggregate of phalanges, 15-25 cm long.