 In some parts of its range Northern rātā occurs in montane forest.Formerly, with rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) it was a dominant tree in a forest type known as rimu/rātā forest.Northern rātā is a massive tree, easily distinguished from other "Metrosideros" species by its small, leathery, dark green leaves which are 25-50mm long by 15-25mm wide, and have a distinct notch at the tip.