This lichen species has a cylindrical
thallus structure, with main branches usually measuring between in length. Its secondary branches are typically partially compressed but not markedly flattened. The thallus colour ranges from brownish-grey to grey.
Ascomata, the fruiting bodies of the lichen, are present and have circular outlines with occasional undulating margins.
Roccella lirellina, previously thought to form a with
Roccella galapagoensis, has been shown to have a distinct
monophyletic genotype. ==Distribution==