Kangaroo-apple (Solanum aviculare, Pl. Esc.: 42 (1786))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: G.Forst.

Bibliography: Pl. Esc.: 42 (1786)

Year: 1786

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Lord Howe I., New Zealand

Description

The Kangaroo-apple, scientifically known as Solanum aviculare, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This vibrant and visually striking plant was first documented in 1786 and has since intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Solanum aviculare is native to several regions including Lord Howe Island and New Zealand. This geographical distribution allows the plant to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions. It typically prefers well-drained soils and areas that receive ample sunlight, making it a resilient addition to diverse ecosystems.

One of the most distinctive features of the Kangaroo-apple is its beautiful, ornamental flowers which can range from blue to violet hues, adding a splash of color to any landscape. These blossoms are succeeded by the plant’s namesake fruit, which resembles a small tomato. The fruits transition in color from green to a striking yellow or orange as they mature. Although alluring, it’s essential to note that the fruit is considered toxic when unripe, and should be handled with care.

Botanist G. Forster, who was instrumental in cataloging this species, contributed significantly to the early botanical exploration and documentation of flora from various parts of the world. His work laid a critical foundation for the continued study and appreciation of the Kangaroo-apple.

Being a member of the Solanaceae family, Solanum aviculare shares several traits with familiar plants such as tomatoes and potatoes, both in terms of its botanical structure and the alkaloids present within its fruits and leaves. These chemical compounds have been studied not just for their toxic properties but also for possible medicinal applications.

The Kangaroo-apple is more than just a plant; it is a specimen of botanical interest with its unique adaptations and intriguing characteristics. Its presence in the wild and in cultivated gardens showcases the rich biodiversity of its native regions and continues to be a subject of admiration and study.

Common Names

Eng: new zealand nightshade, kangaroo-apple
Deu: queensland-känguruapfel
Swe: rött känguruäpple
En: Kangaroo-apple, New Zealand nightshade
De: Queensland-Känguruapfel
Sv: Rött känguruäpple
: New zealand nightshade

Synonyms

• Solanum baylisii (Geras.)
• Solanum aviculare var. acutifolium (Korneva)
• Solanum brisbanense ((Geras.) Geras.)
• Solanum dispar (Loisel. ex Dunal)
• Solanum aviculare var. grandiflorum (Korneva)
• Solanum pinnatifolium (Salisb.)
• Solanum aviculare var. grandifolium (Korneva)
• Solanum aviculare var. hybridum (Korneva)
• Solanum aviculare var. patulum (Korneva)
• Solanum cheesemanii (Geras.)
• Solanum aviculare var. typicum (Domin)
• Solanum aviculare var. albiflorum (Cheeseman)
• Solanum aviculare var. brisbanense (Geras.)
• Solanum aviculare var. latifolium (G.T.S.Baylis)

Distribution

• Chatham Is. (native)
• Kermadec Is. (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• California (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 28, 2022 by K A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Jian Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Ludovic Leprêtre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Manish Pandey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Paul Williams (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Fero Looxi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by nicolas le corre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Jian Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Jian Chen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2019 by Stéphanie Noverraz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by quetzal111 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Mar 28, 2015 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 13, 2015 by EOL − Pat Enright (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 28, 2015 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 25, 2016 by EOL − Colin Ogle (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2930210)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:818376-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum aviculare G. Forst.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth