Its English language common names include flowering merrillia, katinga, and Malay lemon.

[2] This species is a member of the Rutaceae subfamily Aurantioideae, which includes the genus Citrus.

[4] It has been placed as the only genus and species in the subtribe Merrilliinae, which are known technically as the large-fruited remote citroid fruit trees.

It is a hard wood used historically in Malaysia to make walking sticks and kris handles.

[8] The alkaloid yuehchukene has been found in the bark; it is a compound well known from the related genus Murraya.