The combination of barrel-shaped pores and the circular shape of the gemma cups are diagnostic of the genus.

[1]: 22 Multicellular purple colored scales with single cell thickness and unicellular rhizoids are present on the ventral surface of the thallus.

The antheridia and archegonia are borne a top special gametophore stalks called antheridiophores and archegoniophores, respectively.

The sporophyte produces spores which develop into free-living male and female gametophyte plants.

Asexual reproduction occurs by means of gemmae, discoid clumps of cells which are genetically identical to the parent and contained in cup-like structures on the upper surface of the plant.