Two coastal populations of A. retinodes var. uncifolia in Victoria are protogynous (i.e. female phase first) and highly self-incompatible, Bernhardt et al. (1984). The flowers are nectar-less but insects are attracted to the flowers by colour and fragrance (?pollen). Floral foragers represented three insect orders but observations and pollen load indicated that solitary bees of the Colletidae and Halictidae are the major pollen collectors. The method for removal of pollen from the anthers is via thoracic vibrations. During the female phase the flowers offer no pollen so that foraging by bees on such flowers is interpreted as a trend towards partial pollination by deceit. The visiting insects were most active in the morning.

The reproductive biology of A. retinodes continues to be studied by Knox et al. (1989). The stigma is receptive from the time the flower opens (female phase) and declines the second day (male phase). Stigma receptivity is associated with a stigma exudate and generally lasts a single morning. By the afternoon the flower heads have usually entered the male phase. The exudate comprises proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.

No fewer than 75 insects were collected by Bernhardt & Walker (1985) foraging on the flowers of A. retinodes var. retinodes in Victoria. Eighty per cent of the insects (82% of the bees) carried pollen of at least one other local plant. There was greater taxonomic diversity of bees on var. retinodes than had been recorded on var. uncifolia and also a higher rate of generalist foraging.

There are few records of mistletoes on A. retinodes but 4 collections of Amyema preissii, wire-leaved mistletoe and a single one of Lysiana exocarpi have been made.

The leaves of A. retinodes can be used to dye wool a yellow to fawn colour with an alum mordant, Martin (1974).

A. retinodes is recorded as being locally established in South-East Europe and occasionally established in California.