[1] The shape of the phyllodes named the species ligulata, meaning strap-like or with a small tongue in Latin.

[10] The phyllodes, appearing like leaves, are light to blue green,[2] usually linear-oblong,[3] slightly curved,[8] 3–10 cm long and 4-10mm wide, thick and hairless, and wrinkled during dry periods.

[10] Yellow to orange globular flower heads of 5-6mm diameter, singular or 2 to 5 in short axillary racemes,[3] sit on sparsely pubescent peduncles 4-10mm long.

[11] Previously considered a variety of A. salicina, differing by its rigid branches, undivided crown, and seed pod characteristics.

[16] This area of north-west New South Wales, the Sand Plain Mulga Shrublands, supports an open cover of shrubs and tussock grasses.

[13] It is an indicative species in sand plain mulga shrublands[16] and was used in an emissions bioassay at Olympic Dam.

[15] They have diaspores with fleshy appendages indicating dispersal by birds, including the red wattlebird,[22] and ants (myrmecochory).

[2] Indigenous Australians have used the plant by mixing its ashes with the dried and powdered leaves of Duboisia hopwoodii to prepare a stimulant chewing mixture (pituri) for trading.

[12] Leaves and bark were used for medicinal purposes,[15] to treat colds, chest infections, and general illnesses.