It grows subtidally off the coasts of Peru and northern and central Chile, with the closely related Lessonia nigrescens tending to form a separate zone intertidally.

It is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the presence of trabeculae (cross struts) in the hollow centres of the blades and stipes (stems), and by the massive and irregular holdfast by which the kelp is attached to the rocks.

[3] Lessonia trabeculata occurs in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, in the subtidal zone off the coasts of Peru and northern and central Chile.

[4] Lessonia trabeculata grows in areas with strong surges, however it can be torn off the rocks during storms such as those associated with El Niño.

It is possible to grow this species in the laboratory, and it may be suitable for aquaculture, with the aim of using it to repair damaged stands of kelp.