Notably, the scale-like leaves (small leafy appendages)[5] are tall and prominent, while smaller branches near the bottom of the plant exhibit a loose, chain-like arrangement (catenulate) when dry.

Calyptrae are hooded (cucullate), either featuring hairs at the base or smooth, setae range in colour from red to orange, reaching lengths of 3 cm (1.2 in), and capsules are inclined to droop downwards from the point of attachment.

Attempts to differentiate them based on traits such as size or branching patterns often yields inconclusive results due to the substantial variation observed within populations.

However, meticulous attention to specific characteristics such as leaf morphology, habitat preferences, distribution, and the papillae on the leaves enables distinction between these species.

[10] Thuidiopsis furfurosa exhibits a wide-ranging distribution, being found in various regions across Australia, including southern New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania.

This moss typically inhabits moist shaded environments such as wet eucalypt (sclerophyll) forests, woodlands, rainforests, swamps, subalpine grasslands, and alongside creeks and streams.