Solanum aviculare (Kangaroo Apple)

Solanum aviculare, commonly known as Kangaroo Apple, is a soft-wooded Australian native shrub admired for its bushy form, striking foliage, and ornamental fruits. Capable of reaching 4 m in height and 3 m in width, it can grow as a single-stemmed or multi-stemmed plant, making it suitable for both naturalistic and structured garden settings.

This species has large, glossy, ovate to lobed leaves that provide a lush green backdrop throughout the year. In addition to its attractive foliage, it produces purple to violet star-shaped flowers, followed by green fruits that ripen to yellow or orange. While the fruits are ornamental, they are also attractive to birds, supporting biodiversity in the garden.

Solanum aviculare thrives in a variety of habitats, from coastal rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests to regenerating bushland and even disturbed soils. It is resilient, fast-growing, and well-suited to low-maintenance gardens, bushland restoration, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.