Kangaroo-Apple

Solanum laciniatum

''Solanum laciniatum'' is a soft-wooded shrub native to the east coast of Australia, notably Victoria and Tasmania. It also occurs in Western Australia and New Zealand, where some authorities consider it to be introduced.
Kangaroo apple - Solanum laciniatum The fruit is edible when ripe. Australia,Geotagged,Kangaroo-Apple,Solanum laciniatum,Summer,eamw flora

Appearance

The shrub typically grows to a height and width of 1 to 3 m and blooms between January and February producing purple blue flowers. It is similar to ''Solanum aviculare'', with which it shares the common name kangaroo apple.
Flower of Kangaroo apple - Solanum laciniatum Solanums (bush tomatoes or kangaroo apple) Several common vegetables (ie. eggplant, tomato, potato and capsicum) are in the genus - Solanum (though not native to Australia). There are around 80 species of Solanum that are native to Australia The fruits of some Solanum species are edible, however others are poisonous. https://www.acs.edu.au/Info/Hospitality/Ecotourism/Bushtucker.aspx Australia,Eamw flora,Geotagged,Solanum laciniatum,Spring

Naming

The common name refers to the likeness of the leaf shape to a kangaroo paw print. This plant is currently being cultivated to produce corticosteroid drugs.
Kangaroo apple - Solanum Solanum laciniatum Australia,Eamw flora,Geotagged,Kangaroo-Apple,Solanum aviculare,Solanum laciniatum,Summer

Habitat

Grows in well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates moderately salty winds. Is very fast growing but short lived. ''Solanum laciniatum'' often colonises disturbed soil and tracks.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderSolanales
FamilySolanaceae
GenusSolanum
SpeciesS. laciniatum
Photographed in
Australia