Soft-wooded Australian native shrub with deeply lobed leaves and orange-yellow fruit. A commercial source of solasodine — a steroid alkaloid used in pharmaceutical cortisone production.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Berries are toxic until fully ripe (orange-yellow and softening) — green and unripe fruit contains high alkaloid levels and can cause severe poisoning
- Generally treated as ornamental and pharmaceutical raw material rather than a food plant
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Pet caution: Kangaroo apple is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
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