Genus: 1 species.
Name: from Latin and Greek meaning 'black' and 'bristle'.
Region: Seychelles.
Botany: palm, slow growing, 8 m high; habitat mountainous rainforest; trunk 8 cm in diameter, usually straight, distinctive rings near the crown; rings of black spines at each stem node, more so in young plants; leaves variable forms, 3 m tall, light green in color, covered in brown scales, especially nearing the top, ± 14 pinnate leaves; petioles ± 20 cm; light to bright green, dull green to brown underneath, juvenile leaves undivided, pink to red; endangered by habitat loss; inflorescence emerges from the leaf axil, much-branched; flowers unisexual; fruit red drupe with one seed; not tolerating drought or cold; understory, needing shade, moist, humus rich soil.