The specific epithet refers to the Masoala peninsula where the species is found.

[2] Its papery leaves are elliptic to ovate in shape and are coloured grayish green above, tinted orangish below.

[3] Schizolaena masoalensis is known only from the northeastern regions of Sava and Analanjirofo, on the Masoala peninsula.

Its habitat is humid forest from sea-level to 500 m (1,600 ft) altitude.

Since then, the location of that collection has become part of Masoala National Park, but more recent specimens have not been found.