Norw. J. Bot. 27: 276 (1980).
Synonym: Index Fungorum
Type: Spain, Canary Islands, Hierro, Barranco Hondo above Sabinosa, 350 m, 2.4.1978, H. Krog & H. Østhagen 2256 (O - holotype; BM, TFMC, UPS - isotypes).
Chemistry: No medullary substances (Krog & Osthagen 1980: 276). Hierridin (Huneck & Yoshimura 1996: 159). Usnic acid (not cited).
Ecology: Corticolous or saxicolous.
Molecular data: Genbank
Distribution: Database
Note: Morphotypes of Ramalina hierrensis with subterete branches may be confussed with Ramalina chondrina, which, however, is very rarely fruiting, has few, indistinct pseudocyphellae, smooth branches, a chondroid cylinder of almost even thickness, and no interconnecting strands of chondroid tissue across the medulla. Acid deficient specimens of Ramalina huei differ from Ramalina hierrensis in that they usually have broader laciniae, a lax medulla without chondroid strands, and marginal pseudocyphellae. Ramalina usnea (L.) R. H. H., widely distributed in the New World (Rundel 1978), and the related African species Ramalina hoehneliana Müll. Arg. differ from R. hierrensis among other characters in their more robust thalli and the frequent occurrence of longly linear marginal and laminal grooves and pseudocyphellae, the latter often spreading irregularly over the laminae.