The colonies are composed of one or more pinnately branched plumes that grow in one plane. The numerous side branches of the plumes extend out from the main stem. They are spaced regularly and parallel to each other, with the ends curving upwards. In some specimens a few smaller branchlets extend more or less at right angles from the side branches. In other colonies the pinnate arrangements can be masked by complex and more irregular branching. The polyps are arranged laterally on the branches. The colonies are usually red, orange or brown and have a thin, wiry gorgonian axis. The sclerites are coloured, girdled spindles. They are azooxanthellate.