The generic name is derived from the Latin terminus meaning "boundary" and describes the concentration of the foliage at the very end of the twigs.

The specific name "sericea" comes from the Latin sericatus meaning "clothed in silken hair" and describes the downy foliage.

It is a pioneer species, easily becoming established in previously unwooded areas and may form dense shrubby thickets.

It needs full light to grow well and tends to shade out weeds so its presence helps climax species to become established.

[5] The leaves are shed in autumn and flowering takes place after the rainy season has started and the new foliage developed.

[4] The timber of the silver cluster-leaf is yellow and hard-grained and is resistant to attack by wood-boring insects and termites.