Closely related to Waynea cretica, this lichen is characterized by its minute thallus parts and fusiform (spindle-shaped) ascospores.

The species is similar to Waynea cretica but can be distinguished by its smaller thallus parts, apothecia diameter, and the shape and septation of its ascospores.

The apothecia are abundant and vary in size from 0.15 to 0.5 mm in diameter, with ascospores that are fusiform and usually 3-4-septate (more rarely, as few as 0 or as many as 5 septa), measuring 15–25 by 2–2.5 μm.

[2] Waynea algarvensis is native to the Algarve province in southwestern Portugal, where it inhabits lowland coastal regions at altitudes between 15–50 m (49–164 ft).

Despite the abundance of potential habitats in the Algarve region, Waynea algarvensis has been found in only two locations, suggesting that it is a rare species.