Schizolaena pectinata grows as a tree up to 25 metres (80 ft) tall.

Its elliptic to ovate leaves measure up to 7.5 cm (3 in) long.

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

[1] Schizolaena pectinata is known only from the eastern regions of Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Alaotra-Mangoro and Atsinanana.

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