[1] Found in Rarotonga (Cook Islands), it was formally described as a new species in 2000 by Simone Louwhoff and John Elix.

The type specimen was collected by the second author from the Muri Lagoon (on the eastern coast of Rarotonga), where it was found growing on hibiscus along the foreshore.

The main physical characteristic that distinguishes it from others in its genus is its conspicuous isidia, which are consistently inflated and branched.

The medulla is white, while the bottom surface is black and dull, with a narrow brown margin measuring up to 1 mm wide.

The expected results of standard chemical spot tests are K+ (yellow) in the cortex, and K−, C+ (red), PD− in the medulla.