The specific epithet hystrix means 'spiny', referring to the porcupine-like appearance of the involucre.

[3] Schizolaena hystrix grows as a large tree up to 35 metres (110 ft) tall.

[3] The spiny involucre is fleshy and is thought to attract lemurs, bats and birds who in turn disperse the tree's seeds.

[1] Schizolaena hystrix is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava, Alaotra-Mangoro, Analanjirofo and Atsinanana.

Threats to lemurs would in turn affect the tree's reproduction due to their role in seed dispersal.