Solanum laciniatum (Kangaroo apple)

Botanical name

Solanum laciniatum

Other names

Kangaroo apple

Genus

Solanum Solanum

Species

S. laciniatum - S. laciniatum is a fast growing tender shrub often grown as an annual with large dark-green, divided, narrow leaves. In summer through to autumn, it bears clusters of pretty bright purple flowers with yellow centres. Flowering is followed by the production of orange, egg-shaped (toxic) fruits.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Toxicity

Fruits are toxic.

Colour

Flower

Violet in Summer; Violet in Autumn

Foliage

Green in All seasons

General care

Propagation

Sow seeds at 18-20C in spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings with gentle bottom heat from summer to early autumn.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Solanum laciniatum (Kangaroo apple) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Conservatory, Cottage/Informal, Hedging/Screens, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Plant in fertile free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered position. In mild areas it may survive winter and can be grown as a hedge.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Solanum laciniatum (Kangaroo apple)

Common pest name

Cassava whitefly; Cotton whitefly; Sweet potato whitefly; Tobacco whitefly

Scientific pest name

Bemisia tabaci non-European populations

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Non-European populations of Bemisia tabaci pose an additional risk to European populations due to the potential for introducing non-European viruses.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Solanum laciniatum (Kangaroo apple)

Common pest name

; Black wood of grapevine; Female sterility of tobacco; Fruit woodiness of tomato; Maize Redness; Mal azul of tomato; Metabolbur; Metastolbur; Parastolbur; Purple top of potato; Stolbur of potato; Stolbur of tobacco; Stolbur of tomato

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma solani

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Phytoplasma which potentially affects a wide host range; determined by the feeding behaviour of vectors. First UK outbreak in 2014; on strawberry; a host not specifically regulated in EU legislation. This legislation should be reviewed to take account of this and other developments.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Solanum laciniatum (Kangaroo apple)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/