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Plant Informational Database

Kangaroo Apple

Solanum aviculare

a.k.a. Poroporo, New Zealand Nightshade

1-2", orange, egg-shaped fruit with juicy pulp and numerous small seeds.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Kangaroo Apple. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in March 2017.

Description

Small, 3-10ft high shrub with ornate purple flowers blooming throughout Spring and Summer. Flowers are followed by green fruit ripening to yellow and then a deep orange. The unripe fruits are poisonous.

Hardiness

The kangaroo apple is subtropical and can be grown in areas where short freezes occur.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun or part shade. Water moderately.

Propagation

By seeds, which can take several weeks to germinate.

Uses

Sometimes eaten fresh, although fruits must be dark orange-ripe to eat. The unripe fruits are not edible and are poisonous. The kangaroo apple also has a variety of medicinal uses.

Native Range

Native to Australia and New Zealand. Often found in forests or near rainforests.

Additional Pictures

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