Plant to 43 (124) cm long with linear fronds dichotomously branched more or less in one plane. Discoid holdfast. Older plants can be very slimy.

Xiphophora is endemic in temperate regions of Australia and New Zealand. Lives in the low intertidal and forms a distinct band just below low tide on exposed coasts, can grow subtidally to 20m.

Uses the sun's energy for photosynthesis.

Seaweeds of NZ; Adams