Solanum laciniatum aka Kangaroo Apple

Solanum laciniatum is a shrub that keeps its leaves year-round. Its common names are kangaroo apple and large kangaroo apple. It belongs to Solanaceae, the nightshade family. RHS lists Australia as its native range. PFAF lists New Zealand as part of its range too. Records place it in Tasmania and Victoria. They also place it in mainland Australia's southeast. It grows in coastal scrub and at lowland forest edges.

This bushy shrub grows about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall in gardens. It spreads about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] wide. RHS says it takes two to five years to reach full size. Some leaves are simple, with a lance-head shape. Others have pinnate lobes, or cuts along each side. Leaves grow about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. The pale purple-blue flowers have broad petals shaped like triangles. Each flower spans about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres]. Egg-shaped fruits form after the flowers, then turn light orange.

RHS advises a sheltered site in sun or part shade. Loam and sandy soils suit it if they drain well. The soil can be neutral or alkaline. Under glass, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Give bright, indirect light, or shade full light from hot sun. Give plenty of water while the plant grows. RHS advises a balanced liquid feed each month. It also advises misting each day. Keep the air at a moderate level of moisture. Plants can go outside once the risk of frost has passed. RHS rates it H2: it cannot survive freezing. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11.

Its flowers, fruit, and year-round leaves suit pots on patios. Gardeners also grow it as a hedge in climates warmer than Britain. Raise new plants from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. Watch for aphids and glasshouse red spider mites. Grey mould can harm the plant. Honey fungus poses a risk, though RHS says it is rare. These risks matter when you choose a site and plan care.

All green parts and unripe fruit are poisonous. PFAF says fully ripe fruit is edible, raw or cooked. It advises waiting for fruit to fall before picking it. Fruit quality can vary from plant to plant and year to year. The taste may be very sweet, bitter, or unpleasant. Each fruit holds many flat seeds. The plant also supplies steroids for use in drugs. Unripe berries have the most steroids, though they are toxic.