The specific epithet odorata means 'scented', referring to the flowers.

[3] Vatica odorata grows as a canopy tree up to 40 metres (130 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm (24 in).

The leathery leaves are ovate to elliptic and measure up to 16 cm (6 in) long.

[3] Vatica odorata is native to an area from China to Indochina and south to Malesia.

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp forests, to elevations of 1,900 m (6,200 ft).