[1] Found in China's Yunnan province, it is characterised by its uniquely narrow ascospores and crowded lobes, which help distinguish it from other similar Hypogymnia species.

The type specimen (holotype) was collected in September 2000 from a high plateau in Yunnan's Luquan County, specifically on Jiaozixue Mountain, north of Kunming.

[2] The thallus, or vegetative body, of Hypogymnia tenuispora is appressed and can grow up to 7 cm (2.8 in) broad.

The lobes have a height to width ratio ranging from 0.5:1 to 3:1 and often feature perforations at the tips and axils.

The medulla, or inner tissue, is hollow, with the cavity ceiling being brownish to white and the floor being dark.