This Caroline Islands large single stemmed palm may grow to 60 or more feet in height.  The fruits are large, three to four inches in diameter, with a decorative husk, which consists of shiny, overlapping scales.  The seed, with its uniform solid texture, became known as “vegetable ivory” and is used as an ivory substitute. Many beautiful carvings have been produced from these seeds. This particular species, unlike other Metroxylons, does not die after flowering.