The specific epithet cauliflora means 'stem-flowered', referring to the flowers being directly attached to the stem.

Schizolaena cauliflora grows as a tree up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall.

It is the only species in the genus to bear inflorescences directly on the trunk or branches.

[3] Schizolaena cauliflora is known only from the eastern regions of Sava, Atsimo-Atsinanana, Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana.

Its habitat is humid coastal forests from sea-level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.