The family was circumscribed in 1966 by German mycologist Franz Oberwinkler with Xenasma as the type genus.

[3] As of April 2018[update], Index Fungorum accepts 28 species in the family.

[4] Xenasmataceae fungi grow as saprobes on fallen wood and are known primarily from temperate areas.

[5] Fruit bodies of Xenasmataceae fungi are usually crust-like, with a waxy or gelatinous texture.

The fungi have a monomitic hyphal system, and the hyphae are frequently gelatinous.