This is always leafy, usually a single whorl but has a much rougher, thicker and more irregular surface than L. cucullata. The septocostal structures have considerably rougher edges. Calices are more irregular, occurring in 'broken' series, commonly inclined outwards but in many they orientated in random directions. In most specimens calices are not arranged in concentric rows.

Calices are not usually of contrasting colours to otherwise brown surface. Green patches are common.

This might be Leptoseris cucullata forma contracta.