Plants are tufted with cylindrical or flattened dichotomously branched stems, marginal stems are produced at the ends of, and at right angles to the main stems. The colour is a dull purple to greenish or chestnut brown and the texture is firm and fleshy. Grows top between 15 & 20 cm.

Found in wide patches on the mid intertidal zone of exposed shores.

It produces its own food through the process of photosynthesis.

Known as Irish Moss in Britain, some NZ species have been used commercially to supply carageenan, a clear jelly-like substance, used as a thickening agent in many food products.

Seaweeds of NZ; Adams