It is a monotypic genus represented by the species Eusmilia fastigiata, commonly known as the smooth flower coral.

It forms a low mound of stony calcium carbonate, the surface of which is covered with tubular projections, the corallites, in groups of one to three.

They are large and widely spaced and are connected by a layer of translucent, jelly-like mesoglea tissue called coenosarc which covers the surface of the carbonate skeleton.

Another major source of energy is the result of the symbiotic dinoflagellates which live within the coenenchyme and which produce nutrients by photosynthesis.

After passing through a number of larval stages this settles on the sea bed and undergoes metamorphosis into a polyp.