Southern Kangaroo Apple - Solanum laciniatum (Meakitch) seeds

Solanum laciniatum - Kangaroo Apple
A fast-growing, hardy shrub with striking fruit and traditional bush food and medicinal uses.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Grows up to 4 meters tall and 5 meters wide.
• Foliage: Dark green succulent stems, maturing to rough light-brown bark.
• Flowers: Spring and summer clusters of 3–5 flowers.
• Fruit: Egg-shaped berries, 20–30 mm long, ripening to bright orange-yellow.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but not tolerant of salt spray.
• Position: Prefers a sunny location; tolerates temperatures as low as -7°C.

Why Grow Solanum laciniatum?

Kangaroo Apple is a hardy, fast-growing shrub ideal for bush food gardens and ornamental landscapes. With its vibrant fruit, traditional medicinal uses, and adaptability to various conditions, it offers beauty and functionality in equal measure.

Bush Food Note

The fruits of Solanum laciniatum are edible but require caution:

• Edible Stage: Only eat fruits at their ripest, when they turn blood-orange. Unripe yellow or green fruits are highly poisonous.
• Uses:
  • Sweet fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
  • Also used as a vegetable in traditional dishes.
  • Flavor is often described as sickly sweet with a bitter aftertaste.

Bush Medicine

The fruit and leaves of Kangaroo Apple have medicinal applications:

• Fruit:
  • Used as a poultice to reduce swelling in joints.
  • Contains steroids important in cortisone production.
• Leaves:
  • Infused in hot water to extract alkaloids, including solanine, for steroid production.

Disclaimer: Information about traditional bush medicine is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil; no pre-treatment required.
   • Germinate at a consistent temperature of 20°C.

2. Position:

   • Plant in a sunny location, away from salt spray.
   • Ensure adequate spacing for its spreading growth habit.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
   • Protect young plants from severe frost during establishment.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Provides edible fruits for those familiar with proper preparation.
• Medicinal Garden: Perfect for those exploring native plants with traditional uses.
• Ornamental Value: Vibrant fruits and fast growth make it an attractive garden centerpiece.
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts pollinators and provides food and shelter for birds and insects.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks at 20°C.
• Pre-Treatment: None required.
• Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
• Transplanting: Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle.

Order Now

Add the striking beauty and versatility of Solanum laciniatum to your garden. With its vibrant fruit, fast growth, and traditional uses, Kangaroo Apple is a rewarding addition to native landscapes.

Order your Kangaroo Apple seeds today and grow a piece of Australia’s natural heritage!