[1] This low species number was due to the segregation of Phyllodictyon from Struvea sensu lato based on differences in cell division processes[3] and later on supported by molecular data.

[5][6][7] The Struvea plumosa sample collected by Ludwig Preiss from western Australia was described by Sonder and now serves as the holotype species for this genus.

[3] In terms of its cellular ultrastructure, the cell walls of Struvea are composed of crystalline inclusions forming single crystals that are broad, prismatic, and hexagonal, diamond, needle-shaped, or triangular in shape.

[7] Lastly, S. thoracica thrive in subtidal channels and/or reef flats of about 15–18 m in depth with substrate primarily composed of shell fragments and coral debris.

[1] Due to its unknown life cycle, relatively few representative species,[1] and its tendency to inhabit subtidal areas[3][7][8][20]—this genus is not harvested from the wild and there is no known culture technology.

Most chemistry research work on this genus is mainly centered around the calcium oxalate crystals present within the cell walls of the blades.