Contents
Description
Solanum Laciniatum, commonly known as Kangaroo Apple, is a fast-growing shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This plant is native to Australia and New Zealand and is widely grown in subtropical and temperate regions around the world. It can reach a height of up to 3 meters, with leaves that are large, lobed, and grow up to 30 cm long. The Kangaroo Apple produces beautiful purplish-blue flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, followed by yellow-green edible fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Solanales | Solanaceae | Solanum |
Appearance
The Kangaroo Apple is an evergreen shrub that grows quickly and can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has large, lobed leaves that are 10-30 cm long and a beautiful purplish-blue flower that blooms in summer and fall. The Kangaroo Apple produces yellow-green fruit that is edible but not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste. The fruit is about the size of a cherry tomato and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Water
The Kangaroo Apple prefers well-draining soil and requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Kangaroo Apple with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and early summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Soil
The Kangaroo Apple prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Sunlight
The Kangaroo Apple prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The Kangaroo Apple is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Kangaroo Apple is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and root rot. To prevent these problems, ensure proper watering and fertilization, and regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation or disease. If necessary, use an appropriate pesticide or fungicide to control the problem.
Habitat
The Kangaroo Apple is native to Australia and New Zealand and is widely grown in subtropical and temperate regions around the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Kangaroo Apple edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of the Kangaroo Apple is edible but is not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste.
Q: What is the ideal pH for growing Kangaroo Apple?
A: The ideal pH for growing Kangaroo Apple is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Kangaroo Apple?
A: The common pests and diseases of Kangaroo Apple include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Kangaroo Apple?
A: The Kangaroo Apple is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
– Solanum aviculare- Solanum lycopersicum- Solanum melongena- Solanum tuberosum
References
– “Solanum laciniatum.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/solanum-laciniatum/- “Solanum laciniatum.” Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814541-1- “Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum).” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/kangaroo-apple/kangaroo-apple-plant.htm
