[2] Discovered in 2012 in northeastern Brazil, it is characterised by its thin green crustose thallus and distinctive orange-pink, club-shaped reproductive structures.

[4] While superficially similar to species of Multiclavula in the order Cantharellales, molecular phylogenetics analyses confirm its placement within Lepidostromatales.

[3] Molecular studies using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences have shown that specimens from various localities across northeastern Brazil represent a single, genetically uniform species, despite occurring in different vegetation types.

The spore-producing cells (basidia) are club-shaped (clavate), measuring 23–45 by 4–7 micrometres (μm), and bear two to four projections (sterigmata) on which spores develop.

[5] The internal tissue is composed of parallel, densely packed fungal threads (hyphae) that appear yellowish when viewed in mass but individually are colourless.

[5] The species was first discovered in the Parque Nacional Serra das Confusões in Piauí state, within the semi-arid Caatinga biome.

[3] Within these habitats, S. caatingae typically grows on roadside soil banks and on termite nests, usually near the edges of well-preserved forest.

[3] Its presence in the Caatinga biome is particularly noteworthy, as this ecosystem is considered one of the most threatened in the Americas, with over 50% of its original area converted for human use and only 1% protected.