The lichen was first described scientifically in 1887 by German lichenologist August von Krempelhuber as a species of Parmelia.

[3] The specific epithet abessinica is derived from the Latin abessinicus (meaning "from or belonging to Ethiopia")[1] and refers to the location of its holotype collection.

It has also been recorded from Madagascar,[4] Rwanda,[5] India,[6] Sri Lanka,[7] and Fiji.

Its lobes are thick, with a scalloped (crenate) margin, and typically measure 5–10 mm wide.

[9] Distinguishing morphological characteristics of Parmotrema abessinicum include its ciliate lobe margins, perforate apothecia, and simple rhizines in the thallus centre.