Solanum laciniatum

Solanum laciniatum is a soft-wooded shrub native to the east coast of Australia, notably Victoria and Tasmania. It also occurs in Western Australia[1] and New Zealand, where some authorities consider it to be introduced. It is similar to Solanum aviculare, with which it shares the common name kangaroo apple. The common name refers to the likeness of the leaf shape to a kangaroo paw print. This plant is currently being cultivated to produce corticosteroid drugs.[2]

Solanum laciniatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species:
S. laciniatum
Binomial name
Solanum laciniatum
Synonyms
  • Solanum aviculare var. laciniatum (Aiton) Domin
  • Solanum laciniatum f. australiense Gerasimenko
  • Solanum laciniatum f. cultum Gerasimenko
  • Solanum laciniatum f. novozelandicum Gerasimenko
  • Solanum laciniatum f. tasmanicum Gerasimenko
  • Solanum laciniatum f. viridicaule Gerasimenko
  • Solanum laciniatum var. fruticosum Sweet
  • Solanum laciniatum var. herbaceum Sweet
  • Solanum pinnatifidum Lam.
  • Solanum pinnatifolium Salisb., nom. illeg.

Description

The shrub typically grows to a height and width of 1 to 3 m (3 ft 3 in to 9 ft 10 in) and blooms between January and February producing purple blue flowers.[1]

Habitat

Grows in well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates moderately salty winds. Is very fast growing but short lived. Solanum laciniatum often colonises disturbed soil and tracks.[2]

Images
  • Foliage
  • Fruit

References
  1. "Solanum laciniatum". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.
  2. Scott, Rob; Blake, Neil; Campbell, Jeannie; Evans, Doug; Williams, Nicholas (2002). Indigenous Plants of the Sandbelt. St Kilda: Earthcare. p. 124. ISBN 0-9581009-0-X.
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