The specific epithet pallida means 'pale in colour', referring to the leaves.

[3] Madhuca pallida grows up to 16 metres (50 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in).

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp forest to 1,800 m (6,000 ft) altitude.

[1] Madhuca pallida has been assessed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List.

The species is threatened by logging and conversion of land for palm oil plantations.