It is named for the Dutch botanist Herman Johannes Lam.

[3] Payena lamii grows up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in).

Its habitat is swamp and kerangas forests to 250 m (800 ft) elevation.

[1] Payena lamii has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

The species is present in Kubah National Park, which affords it a level of protection there.