Kangaroo-apple (Solanum laciniatum, Hort. Kew. 1: 247 (1789))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Aiton

Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 1: 247 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Solanum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. & SE. Australia, New Zealand North I., Chatham Is.

Description

Kangaroo-apple, scientifically known as Solanum laciniatum, is a noteworthy plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. Described in Hortus Kewensis by Aiton in 1789, it has garnered attention for its vivid appearance and geographical prevalence.

Native to the southeastern regions of Australia and thriving in natural habitats across New Zealand’s North Island and the Chatham Islands, this resilient plant is well-adapted to diverse climates and soils. Its common name, Kangaroo-apple, likely derives from the distinctive fruits resembling small, round eggs, which undergo a fascinating transformation from green to a striking yellow-orange when ripe.

Kangaroo-apple is a perennial shrub characterized by its lush growth and distinctive foliage. The leaves are deeply lobed, giving them a unique, almost fern-like appearance. This intricate leaf structure not only adds to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening.

During the flowering season, Solanum laciniatum produces striking violet or blue star-shaped flowers, which attract a variety of pollinators. The presence of these vibrant blooms contributes to the plant’s visual appeal and supports the surrounding ecosystem.

However, caution is advised as the plant’s unripe fruits contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid. While the ripe fruits have been utilized in traditional medicine and various culinary applications by indigenous peoples, knowledge about their proper usage is essential to avoid potential health risks.

In addition to its applications in traditional practices, Kangaroo-apple holds potential for contemporary horticultural and medicinal research. Its resilience and adaptability make it an interesting subject for further studies within its family Solanaceae, which includes other significant plants like tomatoes and potatoes.

In conclusion, Solanum laciniatum, or Kangaroo-apple, is a multifaceted plant with rich cultural, ecological, and scientific significance. Its stunning visual attributes, coupled with its historical and potential future uses, continue to make it a subject of interest among botanists and horticulturists alike.

Common Names

Deu: gelappter nachtschatten, schlitzblatt-nachtschatten, großer känguruapfel
Eng: kangaroo-apple, large-flower kangaroo-apple
Dan: kænguruæble
Fra: morelle des oiseaux, morelle du cap, morelle laciniée
Heb: solanum shasua, סולנו
Swe: gult känguruäpple, känguruäpple
Hun: orvosi csucsor
Nld: kangoeroe-appel
Cym: afal cangarŵ, afalau cangarŵ
En: Kangaroo-apple, Large-flower kangaroo-apple, Large Kangaroo Apple
Az: Paycıqlı quşüzümü
Zh: 袋鼠蘋果
Da: Kænguruæble
Nl: Kangoeroe-appel
Fi: Kengurunkoiso
Fr: Morelle des oiseaux, Morelle du Cap, Morelle laciniée
De: Großer Känguruapfel, Känguruapfel, Gelappter Nachtschatten, Schlitzblatt-Nachtschatten
He: Solanum shasua, סולנו, סולנום שסוע
Hu: Orvosi csucsor
Mi: Poroporo
Sv: Gult känguruäpple, Känguruäpple
Cy: Afal cangarŵ, Afalau Cangarŵ

Synonyms

• Solanum laciniatum f. cultum (Geras.)
• Solanum laciniatum f. australiense (Geras.)
• Solanum aviculare var. laciniatum ((Aiton) Domin)
• Solanum laciniatum f. tasmanicum (Geras.)
• Solanum laciniatum f. novozelandicum (Geras.)
• Solanum laciniatum f. laciniatum (Aiton)
• Solanum reclinatum (Dum.Cours.)
• Solanum laciniatum f. viridicaule (Geras.)
• Solanum laciniatum var. elegans (B.S.Williams)
• Solanum laciniatum var. fruticosum (Sweet)
• Solanum laciniatum var. herbaceum (Sweet)

Distribution

• Chatham Is. (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Morgado Mário (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by muriel mng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by Raphaël (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2018 by Romain SUAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Aliepit 29 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by García-Atance Huete Antonio Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Chaves Asunción (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2018 by Stéphane Bonhomme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by Raphaël (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 28, 2020 by lxndr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Blanca Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2022 by Charlotte Lalande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by muriel mng (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Marina Espélia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by pepitruix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by jean louis rateau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Agustín Fernández (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 19, 2019 by sabine arthur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2019 by Aleksandr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ruddy BENEZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Valerie Mugniot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2020 by s s (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Gregory Hannum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Alberto gf gf (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2930439)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:819717-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum laciniatum Aiton)

Specifications

Growth