The type specimen was collected by the second author from west of Wynyard on Boat Harbour Beach in Tasmania, where it is locally abundant on coastal rocks.

This colouration remains consistent throughout the thallus, without any distinct zonation, though it can appear as a mix of reddish spots combined with orange to whitish tones.

The surface of the thallus is either continuous or shows narrow cracks, with the marginal areoles often elongating and occasionally housing conidia.

It often coexists with other species of the Caloplaca (in the broad sense, or sensu lato) genus, such as Tarasginia tomareeana, T. whinrayi, Sirenophila eos, and various others.

The species thrives in open, exposed locations and is frequently observed on boulders that are subject to wave action.

[1] In terms of its geographic spread, Elixjohnia gallowayi is one of the most prevalent red coastal species of Caloplaca (sensu lato) across Australia.