Colonies of Turbinaria frondens are variable and may be massive, encrusting, cup-shaped, foliaceous or columnar.

They are initially cup-shaped and develop lobes and fronds, either upright or horizontal, often irregularly contorted.

Its range extends from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and northern Australia.

It is found on shallow-water reefs and rocky foreshores at depths from about 7 to 20 m (23 to 66 ft).

Breeding takes place synchronously with all the colonies in an area liberating their gametes into the sea shortly after the full moon in October.