It typically grows in moist montane environments, forming dense mats along stream banks, lake edges and seeps.

Modern molecular and morphological studies support its placement in the order Pelliales, but in its own family Noterocladaceae, separate from the related genus Pellia.

The family Noterocladaceae was validly published by Frey and Stech in 2005, recognising the significant ontogenetic differences between Noteroclada and Pellia despite their shared morphological features.

[3] Noteroclada confluens is a leafy liverwort characterised by distinctive morphological features that reflect its adaptation to moist environments.

The underside of the shoots is covered with threadlike structures called rhizoids, which are clear (hyaline) to pale yellow in colour – notably never purple, which helps distinguish this species from the similar-looking genus Fossombronia.

[3] One of the most distinctive characteristics of N. confluens is its ability to produce underground storage structures called tubers, which help the plant survive unfavourable conditions.

[3] Historical reports of the species from South Africa, Kerguelen Island, and New Zealand have been disproven through modern research, with specimens from these locations being correctly identified as members of other genera, particularly Fossombronia.

[3] The species typically grows in consistently moist montane environments, forming extensive, dense mats over soil along stream banks, at the edges of lakes or bogs, and near seeps.

[3] As a perennial species, N. confluens can persist in suitable habitats for extended periods, undergoing repeated cycles of reproductive development.

While the spores are relatively large and thin-walled, making wind dispersal over great distances unlikely, they may be transported by birds or other vectors.