Solanum laciniatum
kangaroo-apple
Southeastern Australia and New Zealand
Overview
Solanum laciniatum is a fast-growing, soft-wooded shrub native to southeastern Australia and New Zealand. It reaches 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall and 3-6 feet (1-1.8 m) wide in a few seasons, with green stems that turn woody at the base. The deeply lobed leaves are dark green and up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, the larger ones cut into several narrow segments. From spring into autumn it carries deep purple-blue flowers about 1.5 inches (4 cm) across, each with five petals and a cone of yellow anthers at the centre. The flowers are followed by egg-shaped berries that ripen from green to orange-yellow, roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The green, unripe berries and the foliage contain steroidal alkaloids and are poisonous; the species is grown commercially as a source of solasodine for pharmaceutical use. It behaves as a short-lived pioneer, often appearing after fire or soil disturbance and fading within a few years. It is frost-tender and cut back by hard frost, which restricts it to mild climates. Rapid growth makes it useful as a quick filler, though its soft wood breaks easily in wind.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia, and also native to New Zealand. It grows in open forest, clearings, gullies, and disturbed ground, often colonising recently burnt sites.Suggested Uses
Solanum laciniatum is used as a fast-growing screen or gap-filler in new and revegetating gardens, where it gives quick cover while slower plants establish. It is grown commercially for the steroidal alkaloid solasodine extracted from its fruit. The berries feed native birds once fully ripe.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from spring through autumn in mild conditions, peaking in spring and early summer. Individual flowers are short-lived, but the shrub produces them in a long succession. Berries follow over summer and autumn, ripening from green to orange-yellow.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep purple-blue with yellow central coneFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight