The type specimen was collected by Peter Döbbeler and Josef Poelt on the southern slope of Barva Volcano in central Costa Rica, at an elevation between 1,580 and 1,700 m (5,180 and 5,580 ft).

The specific epithet alludes to the lichen's superficial resemblance to some members of the family Pannariaceae, while the generic names refers to the characteristic acanthohyphidia.

The margins of the squamules eventually curl upward to reveal a non-corticated lower surface covered with coarse soredia.

According to Jørgensen, when viewed with a microscope, the acanthohyphidia "give the surface the appearance of an unshaven chin", and "resemble the spiny clubs of Roman gladiators".

[1] The photobiont partner of the lichen is from the cyanobacterial genus Scytonema, which are localised in curled clumps in the central part of the thallus.