[7] The specific epithet microphylla derives from Greek μικροϛ (micros) and φυλλον (phyllon) and means 'small leaves'.

[6][8] The name for the genus Premna derives from the Greek πρέμνον (premnon, tree stump) refers to the short trunks that some species have.

[4] In China, it is known as 豆腐柴 (dòufu chái 'tofu wood'), 斑鸠树 (bānjiū shù 'turtledove tree'),[9] 臭黄荆 (chòu huáng jīng 'stinky yellow thorn'), 腐蜱 (fǔ pí 'rotten tick'), and 观音草 (guānyīn cǎo 'Guanyin grass').

[10][6] Major compounds found in the essential oil include blumenol c, β-cedrene, limonene, α-guaiene, cryptone, and α-cyperone.

[3][11][6] The type specimen was collected by Scottish botanist and plant hunter Robert Fortune in China.

[10] Much effort has been made to develop P. microphylla as an industrial source of pectin.

[10] The leaves contain 30-40% pectin,[10] much higher than the typical sources, apple pomace (10-15%) and citrus peel (20-30%).

[14] The bonsai trunks are evocative of driftwood, similar to shimpaku juniper.

[14] A specimen of P. microphylla was used as an autonomous bonsai in the art installation titled Premna Daemon.