The inflorescences are axillary and feature many small unisexual flowers with white to cream-coloured petals.

The glabrous quality of the leaves is the main differentiation of this species with respect to Melicope subunifoliolata.

[1] Its habitat is mostly in primary forests, situated in hilly areas, at elevations of 650–1,800 m (2,000–6,000 ft).

Although so far found in a limited number of areas, the species is likely to occur more widely and is not considered threatened.

Melicope clemensiae is present in protected areas including Kinabalu Park and Sosopodon Forest Reserve.