The fruit body is disc-like (technically an apothecium) and diameters vary from 0.5 to 5 millimetres (depending on species, but often no more than 2). The apothecia lack stems, are smooth on both upper and lower sides, have smooth margins and come in various colours. They are somewhat glassy in appearance and are semi-translucent.
The apothecia may be found on bark, dead wood or other vegetable matter and often the apothecia appear in large groups.
Orbilia is listed in the following regions: