It has a stipe attached to its rhizoidal holdfast with blades conspicuously appearing as several layers of cell thick, with apparent zonations in its thalli producing coextensive rows of hair, distributed in rigid segments.

[4] Padina inhabits tropical regions, although the genus can also be found in cooler temperate waters from South America to Southeast Asia.

Approximately 32% of taxonomically accepted Padina species are being investigated for numerous chemical and potential pharmacological applications.

[4] Bioactive compounds, including amino acids, terpene sterols, and sulphated polysaccharides were reported to be found in Padina, as well.

[8] In one study, the specific growth rate and chlorophyll content of Padina is negatively affected as cadmium concentration increases, suggesting Cd pollution.

[9] Hence, Padina are ecologically significant macroalgae which function as excellent bioindicators of aquatic pollution and potentially, remediation in marine ecosystems.