The specific epithet pulchrum is from the Latin meaning 'beautiful', referring to the plant's appearance.

[2] Xanthophyllum pulchrum grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimetres (10 in).

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

[2] Xanthophyllum pulchrum grows naturally in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp forests or swampy terrain from sea-level to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) altitude.