KANGAROO APPLE (Solanum symonii) Seeds

Solanum symonii is an erect shrub ranging in height from 0.7 to 2 metres high.

It produces large showy purple flowers that are followed by berries which start out green, before turning a deep purple as they ripen.

Occurs in coastal regions from Geraldton, W.A., to tip of Yorke Peninsula, S.A. Often on stabilised dunes, in sandy soil over limestone, or in gypseous soil.

Flowering Dates: August, September, October, November

The Solanum symonii grows a small, edible berry that turns purple-black when ripe. This berry however, is somewhat bitter to eat and it is unlikely that traditional Noongar people prized it as a bush food.

Germination: Sow from late winter to early spring and place in open, sunny position seeds should be sown surface. Treatment with smoke water may improve germination results

 It should be noted that there are numerous poisonous species of Solanum in Australia and it would be unwise to taste any such fruits without specialised, local knowledge.