A common marine herb, the rhizomatous plant forms meadows which stabilise sands; the intertwining roots and leaves protects the substrate from ocean currents.

The seedling forms a comb of bristles that can anchor it at the new site before the development of roots and a rhizome allow the plant to fully establish itself.

The leaves are arranged at the end of its many branches, attached in an overlapping sheath, and are bright green, perhaps with red patches.

The species is found in areas of fast and constant ocean currents, the rhizomes forming dense mats on soft sand substrates.

The detritus is frequently found in rotting piles along the shoreline, forming a rich habitat for other plant and animal species.