The lichen was described as a new species in 2009 by Harrie Sipman, John Elix, and Thomas Nash in their 2009 monograph on the genus Hypotrachyna.

The individual lobes comprising the thallus are flat to somewhat convex with entire margins, and measure 0.4–1.2 cm (0.16–0.47 in) wide.

The upper surface of the thallus is pale grey with a smooth to shallowly wrinkled texture.

The thallus completely lacks soredia, isidia, pustules, dactyls (finger-like protrusions), and lobules.

[2] Major secondary metabolites produced by the lichen are lichexanthone in the upper cortex, and echinocarpic acid in the medulla.