Goebelobryum is represented by G. unguiculatum in Tasmania, an extremely variable terrestrial species of damp spots in otherwise dry areas.

The colour of this species can vary drastically with exposure, ranging from almost totally green in shade to crimson in more exposed conditions. In its greener and more compressed forms, G. unguiculatum can be mistaken for Fossombronia but the latter species tend to be much more crinkled in appearance.

In boggy habitats (eg. Mt Sprent), a uniformly chestnut colored from of the species with short spines and inrolled leaves occurs.