Bornetia secundiflora is a dark red algae which can be up to 20 cm when fresh. Its thallus has a sturdy, much branched, fan-shaped structure with blunt tips – apices - but with a jelly-like texture. The branches tend to become thicker as they reach the apices. This algae is composed by organized cylindrical apical cells.

This is an easily recognizable specie because other that the possible changes in its height there is very little variation in its overall characteristics. The only possible misperception may be withGriffithsia corallinoides but this last has a rather flaccid texture and a bead-like apical cells, unlikeBornetia secundiflora.

Bornetia secundiflora usually grows on stones or under protrusions and can survive in places with extreme low water and little wave exposure up to places with 3m depth and an extreme wave exposure. This specie is mainly found in European waters – like Mediterranean Sea, Azores and United Kingdom.