This perennial is shrub-like with upright spreading purplish branched stems that form a rounded habit. It has variable dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the blue-purplish flowers appear in clusters from summer to autumn, followed by yellow fruit.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Solanum laciniatumis naturally found in Australia from New South Wales to Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and extending to Western Australia. It is also found in New Zealand growing in Auckland in the North Island and extending to Marlborough in the South Island.

It prefers a well-drained organic rich moist soil tending alkaline in a semi-shaded to full sun position and is light frost and drought tolerant.

The Large Kangaroo Apple is grown for its foliage and flowers. It is planted in small gardens along borders for screening or used in bushland settings as a specimen. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 2 to 4 years and is moderately long lived. This fast growing perennial is ideal for new gardens or can be grown in courtyard planter boxes.ID 2249

Note:
This larger perennial is similar to Solanum avicularebut differs in having purplish stems, darker leaves and orange to yellow berries.

Solanum laciniatum (so-LAH-num la-kee-nee-AH-tum)

Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Potato Family