Cartilaginous, cylindrical, tufted, dark purple-red fronds, to 300 mm long, from small conical basal disc. Branches irregular to pseudodichotomous, densely clothed with short, slender, much-divided branchlets, forming the distinct tufts characteristic of this species. Central siphon of main axes with 6-8 primary pericentral siphons and as many alternating secondary pericentral siphons, surrounded by small corticating cells. Branchlets ecorticate, with fewer pericentral siphons, articulations about as long as broad.

Original publication: Sprengel, K. (1827). Systema vegetabilium Editio decima sexta. Voluminis IV. Pars I. Classis 24. Vol. 4 pp. [i]-iv, [1]-592. Gottingae [Göttingen]: sumtibus Librariae Dieterichianae.
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Maggs, C.A. & Hommersand, M.H. (1993). Seaweeds of the British Isles. Volume 1. Rhodophyta. Part 3A. Ceramiales. pp. xv + 444, 129 figs, map. London: HMSO.

Smith, G.M. (1944). Marine algae of the Monterey Peninsula. pp. i-ix, 1-622, 98 pls. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

Womersley, H.B.S. (2003). The marine benthic flora of southern Australia - Part IIID Ceramiales - Delesseriaceae, Sarcomeniaceae, Rhodomelaceae. pp. 533. Canberra & Adelaide: Australian Biological Resources Study & State Herbarium of South Australia.

Lectotype locality: Bantry Bay, (Co. Cork,) Ireland (Silva, Basson & Moe 1996: 537). Lectotype: Miss Ellen Hutchins; 24.vi.1807; BM-K (Maggs & Hommersand 1993: 314). Notes: This type locality was first recorded by Womersley (1979: 497).

Basionym
Conferva brodiei Dillwyn