This palm has red veins displayed on deep green fronds, that fade with age. Sharp spines are prominent in youth and most shed as they age. This is a variable species. Grows well from almost sea-level to relatively high elavations. The Acanthophoenix is a single trunk, spear-pinnate shaped palm. The cylindrical crown shaft is vivid green. The inflorescence are subfoliar and produces both male and female unisex flowers. Found wild only on the Reunion and Mascarene Islands.
