Johannesteijmannia palms lack a visible stem, except in J. perakensis, which develops a short trunk. Short stems may, however be underground.
Leaf sheaths are short and break down into a fibrous interwoven mass as they age.
Petioles, armed with small and sharp spines, are continuous with the leaf midrib and there is a small hastula on the upper surface of the young leaves at the insertion of the blade on the petiole. The beautiful leaf blade is entire, pleated, ribbed, and ranges from diamond-shaped to broadly lanceolate. Inflorescences arise among the leaves. The cream-coloured scented bisexual flowers are solitary or arranged in groups of two, or four. Seeds are globose, and attached at the base.