Solanum aviculare
Kangaroo Apple
Erect spreading woody shrub with angular branches.
Additional information
- FamilySolanaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size1-3 m x 1-4 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesDark green lobed or entire broad elliptic leaves, 15-30 cm long, on long stalks. 3-11 deeply cut lobes 1-10 cm x 5-20 mm. Leaves often at ends of branches.
- Flower colourViolet
- Flowering timeSeptember to February
- FlowersAxillary clusters of up to 10 flat star-shaped flowers to 40 mm across, flower lobes pointed. Egg-shaped, edible orange-red berry, green and poisonous when immature.
- Bird attractingFruit
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained soils in moist and riparian forests. Partial shade. Pioneer plant regenerating quickly after fires and in cleared areas.
- Garden useFast growing, short lived plant which will grow in sun but prefers some shade.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Food - berries when ripe, poisonous when green
- Related speciesSimilar to Solanum laciniatum which has orange-yellow berries and notched flower lobes.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Yarra Ranges Council photo library
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