Solanum laciniatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Solanum laciniatum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Solanum
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| Species: |
laciniatum
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The Solanum laciniatum is a bushy plant with soft wood. It grows naturally along the east coast of Australia. You can find it especially in Victoria and Tasmania. It also grows in Western Australia and New Zealand. Some people think it was brought to these places by humans.
This plant is very similar to another plant called Solanum aviculare. Both plants share the common name kangaroo apple. This name comes from how the plant's leaves look. They are shaped a bit like a kangaroo's paw print. People grow this plant on farms to make special medicines. These medicines are called corticosteroids. They help people feel better.
About the Kangaroo Apple Plant
The kangaroo apple plant is a type of shrub. It usually grows to be about 1 to 3 meters tall. It also spreads out about 1 to 3 meters wide. This plant has pretty purple-blue flowers. It blooms, or flowers, during January and February.
Where Kangaroo Apple Plants Live
Kangaroo apple plants like to grow in certain places. They prefer soil that drains water well. They also need lots of sunshine or at least some shade. These plants can handle winds that are a little salty.
They grow very fast but do not live for a long time. You often see Solanum laciniatum growing in places where the ground has been disturbed. This includes areas near tracks or where soil has been moved.
Images for kids
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The leaves of the kangaroo apple plant.
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The fruit of the kangaroo apple plant.
