Branching colonies, which may cover up to 1 or 2 square metres, but usually this species is found in small clumps. The branches of this species are more widely spaced and open than the two other branching Porites and frequently divide near their tips. Branches are slender, and may be at right angles to their main stem.

The three branching species are easily confused, and colony shapes overlap . As a general guide:
   P. porites - thick branches (>2 cm) may be stubby and little developed with enlarged, blunt tips. Developed branches upright or sprawling, often grey, occasionally bright blue.
   P. furcata - extensive colonies with dead basal parts, intermediate width (1-2 cm), elongate, tightly compact, branches all finger-like with rounded tip, often grey.
   P. divaricata - branches are the most slender (<1 cm)and widely spaced of these species. They are often divided at their tips, likely to have live tissues at their bases, colours vary from purple, yellow-brown, grey, to brown.