While originally found in primary and secondary forests in Malaysia and Singapore, the Malayan oak has come to be critically endangered in the latter. The tree can grow up to 36 metres in height, and bears a hard and woody acorn as fruit. Its scientific name is given in honour of Nathaniel Cantley, the Superintendent of the Singapore Botanic Gardens (1880-1888). The timber of the tree can be used for construction, as well as to manufacture pulp and paper.