Colpoon compressum is designed for survival. Its blue-green, leathery leaves enable it to withstand heat and wind intensities normally associated with the coast. It is a fast grower and establishes itself rapidly through masses of seeds, which are produced for at least eight months of the year.

As it is hermaphroditic, the plant has a much greater chance of producing viable seeds faster and it ensures that cross-pollination takes place between separate plants which creates a stronger gene pool for the species.

The scented flowers attract insectiverous pollinators ranging from bees and butterflies to flies and ants. Colpoon compressum is also an important food plant for the larvae of the Common Dotted Border (Mylothris agathina ), a yellowish, medium-sized butterfly that occurs along the coast. The glossy green berries grow fast and become dark red to purple and then fall to the ground. Many different birds feast on these berries and in so doing ensure the effective spread of the plants.

As with the other member of the Santalaceae family, the Cape Sumach parasitises nearby plants by means of root attachments. The young plant may utilise water and important nutrients from the host plant, and may become less dependent as it matures; the plant is not entirely dependent on host plants and can survive on its own should the host plant die, until another suitable host is found. There are no known benefits to host plants once they have become parasitised.