The specific epithet (affinis) comes from Latin "ad finis", meaning "at the boundary", and refers to its resemblance with the congener species Salacca zalacca.

[1] Salacca affinis is native to Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Java, and Sumatra,[2] and occurs in the understory of rainforests, especially near ponds and swamps.

It normally contains up to 3 pale yellow to white seeds and takes form at the center of the plant, making them hard to reach due to the abundance of spines.

The plant reproduces easily and quickly by seed, which has a limited germinability, usually 15 days, on a warm and humid bed at temperatures over 21 °C (70 °F).

The plant prefers positions in half shade with high humidity, sheltered from winds, and in zones with an annual rainfall of more than 1,500 millimeters (59 inches).

Cultivation for fruit is limited as those of Salacca zalacca are superior, although it is sometimes gathered locally and sold in markets.