The specific epithet flavescens is from the Latin meaning "becoming yellow', referring to the leaves.

[2] Xanthophyllum flavescens grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 80 centimetres (30 in).

The brown fruits are round and measure up to 2 cm (1 in) in diameter.

[2] Xanthophyllum flavescens grows naturally in continental Southeast Asia and western Malesia.

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp or montane forests from sea-level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude.