Pam Plum Kangaroo Apple - Solanum aviculare (Poroporo) seeds

Solanum aviculare - Kangaroo Apple (Poroporo, Pam Plum)
A fast-growing shrub with striking flowers and edible orange berries, perfect for bush food and ornamental gardens.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Grows up to 4 meters tall, with an upright habit.
• Flowers: Pale blue, sometimes dark purple, white, or striped blue/white, blooming throughout the year.
• Fruits: Bright orange berries up to 2 cm, edible when fully ripe.
• Soil: Prefers clay soils in rainforests, wet forests, and rainforest margins.
• Position: Thrives in sunny or partially shaded positions.

Why Grow Solanum aviculare?

Kangaroo Apple is a versatile plant offering ornamental beauty with its vibrant flowers and practical value as a bush food source. Its fast growth and adaptability make it an excellent addition to gardens, particularly in moist and shaded areas.

Bush Food Note

Kangaroo Apple berries are a traditional bush food:

• Edibility:
  • Unripe berries are toxic and should never be consumed.
  • Fully ripened orange berries are safe to eat and can be used fresh or dried.
  • The flavor is often described as sickly sweet with a hint of bitterness.
• Uses:
  • Consumed as a sweet fruit or cooked as a vegetable.
  • Best harvested after naturally falling from the plant.

Caution

• Toxicity: Green, unripe berries are poisonous and must not be eaten.
• Harvesting Tip: Ensure berries are fully orange and ripe before consumption.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds in moist, well-draining soil at a depth of 1–2 cm.
   • Germination occurs within 2–3 weeks at 20°C.

2. Position:

   • Prefers partial shade to full sun.
   • Grows best in moist, clay-rich soils but adapts to a range of well-drained conditions.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
   • Fertilize occasionally with organic matter to boost fruit production.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Produces edible orange berries for sweet and savory culinary uses.
• Ornamental Value: Unique flowers and colorful fruit add visual interest to landscapes.
• Native Landscaping: Ideal for rainforest margins and moist garden beds.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for birds and insects.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Temperature: Maintain soil at 20°C for best results.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings to their permanent positions when they are large enough to handle.

Order Now

Add the striking Solanum aviculare to your garden for its beautiful flowers, versatile fruits, and ecological benefits. Kangaroo Apple is a fast-growing shrub that thrives in rainforest-inspired settings while offering a taste of traditional bush food.

Order your Kangaroo Apple seeds today and grow a plant that combines utility and beauty!