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The Usnea baileyi complex exhibits considerable morphological and chemical variation throughout its range, including Australia. Two chemically distinct but morphological inseparable species are recognised in the complex for Australia. U. baileyi (Stirton) Zahkbr. is widespread in eastern Australia and is characterised by the presence of eumitrins and depsidones (especially norstictic acid). U. elata Motyka is known from only one Australian locationa nd contains depsides (diffractaic acid being the mojor secondary constituent) but nu eumitrins. Fourteen taxa are trated as synonyms of U. baileyi and U. vainioi Motyka is lectotypified.