The plants are large with long strap like blades which grow from solid evenly branched stipes. Grows to over 1m tall. Blades have widely spaced teeth along the edges. It is attached with a massively buttressed holdfast.

Found in the upper subtidal zone down to deepwater. Attaches to rocks on exposed shores. Can for dense beds.

Uses the sun's energy for photosynthesis.

The genus is restricted to the southern hemisphere. There are species in NZ, Australia, and South America. It is a perennial plant.

http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=11893 (accessed 06/12/10)
NZ Seaweeds. an Illustrated Guide: Nelson.