Tulbaghia maritima is a resilient coastal species, that is well adapted to survive in the challenging conditions of its native habitat, which includes nutrient-poor sandy soils, salty coastal winds, and intense sunlight. Its underground bulb plays an important role in storing water and nutrients, allowing the plant to endure periods of drought and seasonal climatic variation.

The species produces attractive, nectar-rich flowers that release a sweet scent, aimed at attracting insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Although there are limited studies on this species’ pollination ecology, it however is likely that long tongued bees are one of the primary pollinators of T. maritima, as this is a pattern that has been observed in other Tulbaghia species. These pollinator interactions are crucial for seed production and genetic diversity in fragmented coastal populations.

Seed dispersal in T. maritima is mainly by gravity, with seeds falling close to the parent plant. However, occasional dispersal by wind or water movement is possible in its open, coastal environment.

A distinctive feature of Tulbaghia species is the release of a strong garlic-like scent when the leaves are crushed. This is due to sulfur containing compounds that are the same as those found in garlic and which serve as a chemical defense mechanism, deterring herbivores and certain insect pests. This adaptation is especially beneficial in environments where grazing pressure may be high.

Although Tulbaghia maritima is not fire-adapted in the normal sense, its underground storage organ allows it to be able recover after fires, a useful trait in fire-prone coastal ecosystems. This resilience contributes to its persistence in natural habitats affected by fire and drought cycles.