Identified and named as a new species in 2006, the lichen has been specifically found at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica.

Coenogonium barbatum has filamentous thallus, extending horizontally from the substrate, specifically leaves, in a manner reminiscent of a beard.

This structure is composed of several tufts of filaments connected at the base, with a yellowish-green colour and measuring up to 10 mm (0.4 in) in both length and breadth.

[2] Despite its resemblance to the semi-circular thalli-producing species C. linkii and C. congense, C. barbatum is differentiated by its unique growth form and wider algal cells.

According to the authors, its specific location and its distinctive beard-shaped structure suggest the involvement of a unique mycobiont and photobiont in this species.