[5] The up to 1,000 flowers produced by the plant generate large amounts of nectar, attracting nectar-eating birds that pollinate them.

The fruits are eaten by many birds and animals including musky rat-kangaroos, red-legged pademelons and spectacled flying foxes.

[4][7]: 105 It is commonly grown in mild to warm climates as a decorative tree in larger gardens and, when mature, it has red spikes of flowers with up to 20 racemes which develop in summer or early autumn.

In some areas (e.g., Florida and Hawaii, USA), it is an invasive weed and therefore planting is highly unadvised.

[9] This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.