J. Jap. Bot. 15: 612 (1939).

Type locality: Japan, Honshu, Prov. Shinano, Mt. Norikura, Katanokoya Lodge, 1939; Y. Asahina 3144 (TNS - lectotype). Lectotypification by Tønsberg 1975).

Note: There is a variety:
Cladonia metacorallifera var. reagens Asahina, J. Jap. Bot. 15: 615 (1939). Type locality: Japan, Honshu, Prov. Etchu, Mt.Yakushi, 1936, Y. Asahina 36725 (TNS - lectotype). Lectotypification by Stenroos (1989).