Thallus green to warm brown, shining, older parts with few to abundant cylindrical or branched outgrowths reaching 0.8 mm or more in height, leaving white scars when rubbed off.

Similar to Melanelixia fuliginosa, of which was it was considered to be a subspecies of until recently. M. fuliginosa is generally darker, more brown than green, though still has shining margins. It is not usually found on trees and is generally found on silicious rocks.

On deciduous tree bark and fences, sometimes on rocks.

All year round.

Generally common throughout Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.