The largest tree in Thailand is of this species, and was measured on February 29, 2016 by dendrologist Marc Meyer using a Nikon Forestry 500/pro laser.

They were previously classified in the Datiscaceae but found genetically to not form a natural clade with the other members of that family.

The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek tetra "four" and melos "part", and refers to the flower having four sepals.

[6] The largest known tree in Thailand and the largest known of its species anywhere, is a Tetrameles nudiflora at Ko Yao Noi, Phangnga, Thailand which has a DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of 25ft 3in (24.20 meters girth)[7] Tetrameles nudiflora is a subtropical and tropical forest species, native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and into the Cape York Peninsula in north Queensland (Australia).

[4] In India, these trees can be found in particularly large numbers in the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala.