[1] It is found in various locations in Europe, where it grows in sheltered and humid microhabitats, often on exposed root bark at the base of trees.

The type specimen was collected by Halda from Nové Město nad Metují at an altitude of 361 m (1,184 ft); there, the lichen was found growing on the bark of the exposed roots of Carpinus betulus.

The species epithet radicicola combines the Latin word rādīce (root) and the suffix -cola ("one who inhabits") to refer to its preferred habitat.

[2] The dull green-grey to olive-green crustose thallus of Biatora radicicola has irregular cracks and sometimes tiny warts on an otherwise smooth surface.

Specimens collected from well-lit locations tend to be better developed, with greater apothecial pigmentation and thalli that are thicker and paler.