The specific epithet rigida means 'stiff', referring to the leaves.

[3] Engelhardia rigida grows up to 50 m (160 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 90 cm (40 in).

[1] Engelhardia rigida is native to Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands, the Philippines and New Guinea.

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp forests, to elevations of 2,500 m (8,000 ft).

It is threatened by conversion of its habitat for urban development and agriculture.