[1] It is recognized by its distinctive morphological features and unique molecular characteristics that distinguish it from closely related species such as Umbilicaria trabeculata.

Described as a new species in 2020 by Evgeny Davydov and colleagues, Umbilicaria orientalis was confirmed via molecular phylogenetics analysis involving three gene regions.

This analysis not only highlighted its distinctiveness as a species but also established its sister relationship with Umbilicaria trabeculata within the U. vellea group.

The thallus is rigid, with a smooth to minutely rimose or areolate upper surface, and undulates with broad folds.

The lower surface, which is initially light brown in juvenile thalli, darkens with age to black, becoming lighter towards the margins.