Bornetia secundiflora is dark red in colour, firm and rigid when fresh. The thallus is 5-20 cm high when erect, fan-shaped with blunt tips (apices), much branched and tufted, with branches often curved over. The plant has a jelly-like texture. Branches are sparse at the base becoming denser towards the apices [1]

[1] Rose Edwards 2003. Bornetia secundiflora. A red seaweed. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 25/11/2013].