[6] Together with Telopea, Alloxylon and Embothrium, Oreocallis makes up a small group of terminal often red-flowering showy plants scattered around the southern edges of the Pacific Rim.

Known as the Embothriinae, this is an ancient group with roots in the mid Cretaceous, when Australia, Antarctica and South America were linked by land.

[7][8] Almost all these species have red terminal flowers, and hence the subtribe's origin and floral appearance must predate the splitting of Gondwana into Australia, Antarctica, and South America over 60 million years ago.

The prominent position and striking colour of many species within the subtribe both in Australia and South America strongly suggest they are adapted to pollination by birds, and have been for over 60 million years.

[11] The type species, Oreocallis grandiflora, is a plant with terminal showy red, pink, yellow or whitish inflorescences found in mountainous areas in Peru and southern Ecuador.

[4] In 2016, a study comparing the pollination ecology of Oreocallis grandiflora at northern and southern ends of its distribution, found evidence of divergence in style length and flower openness, nectar standing crop and secretion rate, and pollinator community among Ecuadorian and Peruvian populations.

Divergences in floral traits may be related to a combination of factors, including genetic drift and isolation by distance, distinctive suites of pollinators, or heterospecific pollen competition.

[15][12] During the day, inflorescences are visited by birds, at least 14 hummingbird species including Metallura tyrianthina, Aglaeactis cupripennis and Coeligena iris.

[15] The plant is used for firewood, furniture/carpentry;[3] its "pleasantly mottled cream-white, pinkish and pale brown wood" was used for inlay work and borders on chess boards.