It is an endemic, non-threatened perennial herb found throughout New Zealand up to an altitude of around 500m above sea level.

It is found all throughout New Zealand, it thrives in fertile soil and colonies areas that have been subject to disturbance events such as forestation/land clearance such as slip scars as well as forest fires.

[3] The toatoa has a perennial life cycle, which means that the plant grows each year and has an annual flowering and fruiting schedule.

[1] They are host to many species of moths, beetles, mites, thrips and sucking bugs, a full list of which can be found here: https://plant-synz.landcareresearch.co.nz/ReportForm.aspx?RecordId=231&Type=P&SortBy=Alpha&Biostatus=a,c,e,n.

[4] The toatoa is often sold as a garden plant and seeds have been transported overseas as an exotic garden plant as it stands out due to its uncommon characteristics such as its red flowers, fruits and stems as well as its serrated leaves causing its popularity.