Melanophylla alnifolia is a large shrub or small tree, growing up to 10 meters tall.

[1] Melanophylla alnifolia is widespread in the humid and subhumid regions of eastern Madagascar, from Kalambatritra in the south to Makirovana Tsihomanaomby and Manongarivo Massif in the north, in the former provinces of Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Toamasina, and Toliara.

The species' estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 153,444 km2, and the area of occupancy (AOO) is 140 km2.

[1] The species is threatened with habitat loss from shifting cultivation, selective logging, and fires.

[1] There are 24 subpopulations living in protected areas, including Ambohitantely, Anjanaharibe Sud, Anjozorobe Angavo, Betampona, Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, Kalambatritra, Makira, Makirovana Tsihomanaomby, Manongarivo, Marojejy, Masoala, Ranomafana, and Zahamena.