Trunk tall or subterranean, unarmed, often covered with remains of petioles and fibres. Leaves in terminal crown, fan-shaped with folded segments, costa absent. Inflorescence interfoliar, branches borne on short peduncles, peduncular bracts several, sheathing, subtending branches prominent, coriaceous, tomentose, bracts and bracteoles minute. Flowers polygamo-dioecious; calyx 3-fid, small; petals 3, broadly ovate, valvate; stamens 6(9), short filaments free, anthers dorsifixed, small; carpels 3, free or fused, stigmas 3, with a basal ovule. Drupe 1-3, globose or oblong. Seeds ventrally grooved, reniform; endosperm dark grey, embryo dorsal.