Colonies are low and encrusting, with short stumpy nodules and short branches. Some colonies are encrusting only, with low, club-shaped nodules, irregular or flattened. Corallites have 10 septa which reach the columella.

This species of Madracis is darker in colour than most, being greenish to brown, yellow-brown or grey. Polyps are not yellow, as they are in M. formosa.

Found in a variety of habitats, especially overhangs and steep or vertical surfaces.