Native to the Andean regions of Colombia and Venezuela.  The trunk is notable for its thin layers of wax, transitioning in color from white at the base to grey or brown towards the apex. A distinctive characteristic is its regularly arranged, horizontal pinnae (segments of the palm leaf), which along with the reddish indumentum (a layer of fine hairs) on its inflorescence axes, large exserted anthers in staminate flowers, and a uniquely textured fruit exocarp, sets it apart from other species. The fruits of this palm are globose and turn a vibrant orange-red upon ripening. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.