Characters: Colonies are thin, highly contorted laminae. They may be up to 2 metres across. Laminae frequently form compact tiers which may become so contorted that they form chimneys. They have ragged margins. Costal spines are prominent. Corallites are small, with few costae and are often difficult to distinguish among costal spines.
Colour: Grey, sometimes with white margins.
Similar Species: Oxypora lacera, which may have highly convoluted laminae, but these are less convoluted than those of the present species and seldom form tiers. O. lacera also has more distinct corallites. See also O. glabra, which may have fronds of similar shape.
Habitat: Protected reef environments.
Abundance: Uncommon but conspicuous.
Taxonomic References: Veron (2000a); Veron (2002a);
