[1] It contains species that molecular phylogenetic analysis clustered together in a clade previously referred to as the "Physma"-group.

They have ring-like excipular margins around the thallus; strongly amyloid internal ascus structures; well-developed perispores (a colorless, often gelatinous layer that envelops a spore) that feature irregular gibbae (irregular bumps), but not verrucae (small, rounded wart-like protuberances); lacks secondary compounds than can be detected by thin-layer chromatography; and have tropical distributions.

The type species of the genus was assigned to Gibbosporina boninensis, originally described in 1969 by Syo Kurokawa as Psoroma boninense.

The genus name, which combines the Latin gibbus ("with hump-like swellings") with spora, refers to the characteristic spore feature.

[3] The species Gibbosporina phyllidiata was originally included in this genus, but later research showed that the lichen contained the secondary chemical pannarin and was therefore moved to genus Pannaria with the new name P. melanesica (a new name was required as Pannaria phyllidiata already existed for a different species).