The palnts are robust, up to 30 cm or more and are dichototmously branched. The stems are cylindrical about 1 cm in diameter. Hairs are conspicuous. The holdfast is an expanded disc. The colour is dark green and the texture is firm and velvety.

These robust plants prefer the open coast. They are found on rock or large stones from the low intertidal to subtidal.

Uses the sun's energy.

The velvety texture of this seaweed makes it unpalatable to eat.

Seaweeds of NZ; Adams