Plants are up to 1m high, but usually smaller, main stem is flattened with a fringe of marginal leaves that are pinnately lobed and flattened, lying in one plane. The lateral leaves are variable in width randing from hair like to broad and shaped like an oak leaf. Holdfast is a prostrate flattened extension of the main stem. Colour is golden to greenish brown, texture is firm and pliable. Vesicles (bladders) are stalked, globular and slimy.

Found on rocks in pools and channels at low water spring extending to the subtidal, in moderate shelter on exposed coasts.

Uses the sun's energy for photosynthesis.

http://zipcodezoo.com/Chromista/C/Carpophyllum_plumosum/ (accessed 18/09/10) Seaweeds of NZ; Adams