Not only does the species have striking red flowers, but it also has foliage which are often similar to those seen on tourist souvenirs and exemplify the New Zealand flora.

[10][6] The species has a cuticle that covers its stigma from early bud until flower for protection, and inhibits pollination when intact.

[8] However, even though a cross-pollination system is present, the observed small gene pool suggests that self-pollination occurs most often and is prevalent.

Wind also may disperse the seed, helped in part due to the pod's fiat, sail-like shape when dry.

[11] In natural populations, seedlings mostly occurred on steep banks or cliffs, directly beneath the flora and fauna of already established plants.

[12] Specifically, a distinctive feature of the C. puniceus fruit includes a very thick mesocarp that can have up to 36 layers of parenchyma cells.

These include, but are not limited to general loss of habitat, competition for space and establishment, as well as introduced herbivores who feed on them.

Through seed collection, destruction of habitat, as well as introduction of invasive species, humans have contributed to the decline of the population.

However, not all contributions are recognized as negative as lots of cultivation, propagation, and building of new habitats by humans have helped the survival of the species so far.

[6] Due to the plant's striking flowers and form, seeds were sent from the gardens of Europeans in New Zealand overseas and to various parts of the world including California and England.

[6] Even though in New Zealand C.puniceus was previously widely grown as a garden plant, it has generally been replaced by the more robust Clianthus maximus.