[3]  The genera Glossophora, Glossophorella, and Pachdictyon are synonyms of Dictyota as DNA sequencing revealed that they were closely related.

[4] Dictyota has "flat, ribbon-like axes" which exhibit dichotomous branching that may be either isotomous (equal or symmetrical) or anisotomous (unequal).

[3] A considerable degree of morphological plasticity has been observed from branching patterns, thus making molecular analyses indispensable when identifying species.

Different species may have one or several attachment points which can lead to a wide range of growth forms (i.e. creeping thalli or fully erect).

[3] Dictyota exhibits an isomorphic life cycle wherein the alternating gametophyte and sporophyte phases appear morphologically similar.

[3] It is mainly exploited for its secondary metabolites which are known to have anticoagulant,[21][22] antibacterial,[23] anti-inflammatory[24] properties, among others, making them useful for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications.

For instance, there is evidence that methanolic extracts of Dictyota inhibits the butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzyme in humans, which could potentially treat Alzheimer's disease.

[25][26] Other applications include its use as biofuel - due to the high lipid content of some species[27] - and as supplemental feeds for poultry, cattle, and fish.