[10] Since the advent of molecular phylogenetics, the formerly polyphyletic genus has been split into more than 30 smaller, monophyletic genera after many publications by Ukrainian lichenologist Sergey Kondratyuk and colleagues.

The genus shows close relationships to Leproplaca and Variospora, with many species growing on tree bark.

[15] The thallus structure includes a protective outer layer (cortex) made of rounded cells.

Internally, the apothecia contain colourless layers and thread-like structures (paraphyses) that may branch and have enlarged tips.

[15] The genus is distinguished by its chemistry, particularly the presence of parietin (the main secondary metabolite) and smaller amounts of related substances.