It occurs in Mexico, South America, and East Africa, where it grows on bark and on rocks.

Major characteristics of the lichen that distinguish it from other Punctelia species include the C+ and KC+ rose spot tests of the medulla (indicating the presence of gyrophoric acid), ascospores that are smaller than 20 μm, and unciform (hooklike) conidia.

[1] In 1982, Hildur Krog transferred it to Punctelia, a genus she circumscribed to contain Parmelia species with pseudocyphellae.

Vegetative propagules such as lacinulae, maculae, pustulae, soredia, and isidia are absent in this species.

The urn-shaped (urceolate) to concave apothecia measure 0.3–12 mm (0.01–0.47 in) in diameter and have a brown disc without perforations.