It was first formally described as a new species in 1984 by the lichenologists Ove Almborn and Josef Poelt, who initially classified it in the genus Caloplaca.

Here, the lichen was found growing on sandstone banks, which rise up to 2 metres high, situated in the immediate coastal area.

On older parts of these marginal lobes, numerous pseudocyphellae (tiny, porous spots that facilitate gas exchange) are present.

The upper side, barring the pseudocyphellae, is sealed with a continuous network of scleroplectenchymatic filaments (thick-walled, supportive tissue), while the underside is more irregularly structured.

The medulla, or innermost layer of the thallus, in areas not occupied by filament networks, contains clusters of granular, colourless to ochre deposits.