[6] Molecular phylogenetic evidence showed that the genera Heterodea and Ramalinora were nested within Cladina,[7][8] so they are now synonyms.

[11][12] Cladia consists of fruticose lichens with typically a perforate pseudopodetia with an external cartilaginous layer.

The asci are eight-spored with a well-developed amyloid tholus with a darker-staining central tube.

The type species, Cladia aggregata, is highly variable morphologically and has extensive chemical variation.

[13] Similarly, five chemotypes were found in specimens from the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, Brazil.

[16] Barbatic acid is cytotoxic, and kills the worms of Schistosoma mansoni in in vitro studies.