Xanthoparmelia wesselsii is a species of terricolous (rock-dwelling), foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. Found in Southern Africa, it was formally described as a new species in 1986 by the American lichenologist Mason Hale. The type specimen was collected by Hale from the summit of Long Tom Pass along R37 at an elevation of , where he found it in a pasture growing on soil in sandstone outcrops. The species epithet honors the South African botanist Dirk C.J. Wessels. This lichen thallus grows loosely attached to its soil and humus , measuring broad and comprising linear, elongated that are 0.5âÂÂ1.5 mm wide. It contains salazinic acid, consalazinic acid, and usnic acid.