Acacia chisholmii, commonly known as Chisholm's Wattle, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, and is endemic to Queensland, Australia. It belongs to the genus Acacia, which is one of the largest genera of flowering plants in Australia, comprising a vast diversity of shrubs and trees.
Description Acacia chisholmii typically grows as a small tree or shrub, reaching heights of 2 to 6 meters, though it can sometimes grow taller, up to 8 meters. The bark is generally smooth, or finely fissured on older specimens, and grey to brownish in colour.
A distinctive feature of this species, like many Australian wattles, is its phyllodes rather than true leaves. The phyllodes are modified petioles that function as leaves. They are glaucous (bluish-green), linear to narrowly elliptic in shape, measuring usually 7–15 cm in length and 3–10 mm in width. Each phyllode has a prominent central vein and fine, parallel secondary veins.
The flowers are characteristic of Acacia, being bright yellow and arranged in globular heads. These heads are typically grouped in racemes (unbranched clusters) or panicles (branched clusters) arising from the leaf axils. Flowering generally occurs from winter to spring, specifically between July and October in its native range.
After flowering, the plant produces flat, straight to slightly curved seed pods. These pods are light brown, 4–10 cm long and 5–10 mm wide, containing numerous seeds.
Taxonomy and Naming The species was first formally described by botanist Frederick Manson Bailey in 1899. The specific epithet "chisholmii" honours Mr. E. Chisholm, who was a collector and the first to discover this species.
Distribution and Habitat Acacia chisholmii is widespread across central and northern Queensland, Australia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, eucalypt forests, and on rocky hillsides. It is often found growing in sandy or gravelly soils.
Conservation Status At a national level, Acacia chisholmii is not considered to be threatened. It is relatively common within its distribution range and is classified as "Least Concern" under various conservation assessments.