This monotypic genus contains the single species Staurospora purpurissata,[2] a corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichen.

In his original characterisation of the species, Nylander described it as having a thallus that is either white or pale and very thin, either matte and undefined or bordered by a blackish prothallus line.

The apothecia (fruiting bodies) are dark brown to black, oblong and irregularly shaped, flat, and of medium size (width approximately 0.5 millimeters), barely protruding, sometimes showing a hint of redness or having a purple-tinged upper margin, with the inside being darkly scarlet or somewhat red-tinged.

This species typically grows on tree bark and the type specimen was collected at an elevation of 2,500 m (8,200 ft).

Nylander emphasized its paradoxical nature within the genus, especially due to its unique colouration and habitat, differentiating it significantly from related species and assigning it to a distinct section of the genus characterised by variably coloured, non-black apothecia.