This cycad is a native of China and Japan. It was introduced into the Philippines for ornamental purposes and is now cultivated in Manila and in other large towns. As far as is known the plant has never produced flowers or fruits in the Philippines.

The trunk is stout and cylindrical and is marked with prominent scars. In Manila it does not grow over a meter in height. The leaves are very numerous, crowded and spreading, 0.5 to 1.5 meters long. The leaflets are very numerous, close and linear, those in the middle up to 18 centimeters long and 4 to 6 millimeters wide; the upper surface is glamorous, but the lower, hairy. The ovules are hairy.

According to Stuart in China the fruit is used as an expectorant and a tonic. Nutritive properties are also ascribed to it.