[2] The lichen is characterized by a foliose (leafy) thallus that forms small, cushion-like clusters, with lobes that are often convex and have a distinctive orange colour with a reddish tint, occasionally covered in pruina.

Gallowayella borealis thrives on both horizontal and vertical rock surfaces, often enriched by guano, and is particularly abundant in continental Antarctica, co-existing with Polycauliona candelaria near penguin rookeries.

[5] Gallowayella borealis has a saxicolous (rock-dwelling) or muscicolous (moss-dwelling) foliose (leaf-like) thallus, typically clustering into small, cushion-like formations up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

In continental Antarctica, this species is abundant, thriving on moss cushions alongside Polycauliona candelaria in areas enriched by nutrients from penguin rookeries.

[6] This lichen is recognised as a truly bipolar species, being widely distributed in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and extending into the boreal forest zones.

The species' presence in Antarctica is hypothesised to be a result of long-distance transport, possibly via birds or wind, suggesting a preference for continental climates.