The bark is rough and flaky and provides an ideal stratum for the roots of epiphytic plants such as Astelia species and Freycinetia banksii (Kiekie).

It prefers cooler regions with high rainfall and is particularly common along the west coast of the South Island where its nectar is the main source of a locally produced rātā honey.

Project Crimson is a charitable trust that promotes conservation of rātā as well as the related pōhutukawa.

Southern rātā is a beautiful specimen tree, but growth can be slow unless it is grown in ideal conditions with moist soil.

While it is possible to grow the tree from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, these often prove reluctant to strike roots.