The xanthorioid taxa Xanthomendoza borealis and Xanthoria mawsonii are revised using morphological, anatomical, secondary chemical, and molecular characters. We conclude that most specimens determined as X. mawsonii from the Antarctic are conspecific with specimens labelled X. borealis from the Northern Hemisphere. Some specimens named X. mawsonii from the Antarctic are wrongly determined specimens of Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr, including the holotype of Xanthoria mawsonii C. W. Dodge. Accordingly, Xanthoria mawsonii C. W. Dodge is a synonym to Xanthoria candelaria (L.) Th. Fr. The only available correct name for the bipolar species, which comprises material previously determined as X. borealis and X. mawsonii, and is distinct from the more widespread taxon X. candelaria, is Xanthomendoza borealis (R. Sant. & Poelt) Søchting, Kärnefelt & S. Kondratyuk.