The specific epithet prolixa means 'expanded', referring to the inflorescences.

[3] Madhuca prolixa grows up to 10 metres (30 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 15 cm (6 in).

Its habitat is lowland mixed dipterocarp forest from 120–1,640 m (400–5,400 ft) altitude.

[1] Madhuca prolixa 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.