The specific epithet vulpina means 'fox-like', referring to the colour of the indumentum.

[3] Madhuca vulpina grows up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 45 cm (20 in).

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp and kerangas forests to 120 m (400 ft) altitude.

[1] Madhuca vulpina has been assessed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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