The plants are erect, up to 40 cm high, very variable in shape, blades expand from a definite stem and can be single or forked, can be split or torn. Holdfast is an expanded disc. Colour brownish purple, dull crimson or khaki. The texture is firm, to cartilaginous.

Found inter-tidally on rocks, forms a distinct band above low water on exposed coasts.

Uses the sun's energy for photosynthesis.

Seaweeds of NZ; Adams