 The berries of "M. ramiflorus" are eaten by a number of native birds, including kererū and tui, while geckos of the genus Naultinus have also been observed to supplement their primarily insectivorous diet with consumption of these berries.It is also a host species for the caterpillars of the New Zealand endemic moth "Austramathes purpurea".It is ubiquitous throughout lower altitude New Zealand forests and is frequently seen in areas of regenerating forest.