Thallus (1-)2-4(-6) cm tall, usually dichotomously branching, sometimes with only a few short lateral branches, rarely unbranched. Lobes variable, rather stiff and thick, 1-5(-15) mm broad, canaliculate or flatter with margins bent inwards, rarely flat and then only widest lobes, margins usually with a distinct ledge. Lower surface dark brown or chestnut-brown in upper parts, dominating middle part usually lighter in colour, yellowish-brown or greyish-brown, basal parts dullish red to dark red, usually smooth, sometimes slightly wrinkled or pitted especially in broader lobe portions, glossy or dull. Upper surface concolorous, sometimes darker especially in upper parts, glossy or dull, marginal pseudocyphellae sometimes forming a continuous line, but often only present as whitish dots along margin, laminal pseudocyphellae when present few and small, marginal projections usually present, numerous to sparse, 0.1-0.5 mm long. Apothecia not seen. Pycnidia dark brown at ends of marginal projections. Conidia rod-shaped 6 × 1 µm. Chemistry: Medulla K- or + yellowish, C-, KC-, Pd+ yellowish to reddish or -. Fumar-protocetraric (±), lichesterinic and protolichesterinic acids.