Ancient Herbarium — Detailed SheetFR · EN
Kangourou apple
Solanum aviculare
Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace professional medical advice. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Unripe fruit, leaves, and stems contain glycoalkaloids (solasonine, solamargine) that can cause severe digestive and neurological disorders if ingested. This plant is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children, due to its alkaloid profile and history of use related to solasodine, a hormonal precursor. Never consume the fruit before it reaches full maturity, and only after positive identification by an experienced person. The advice of a healthcare professional or qualified botanist is essential before any use, as this plant is not intended for common domestic use.
Raw Fruit — Ripe Fruit
Ripe fruit consumed fresh
Traditionally, only fruit that had reached complete maturity, with skin that had become orange and soft, was harvested and then consumed raw in small quantities. This practice required precise knowledge of the plant's maturation stages. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to Find It
Obtaining the plant
Kangaroo Apple is found in the wild in the undergrowth and forest edges of Australia and New Zealand; it is sometimes cultivated for ornamental or research purposes, but is not commonly available in herbal shops.
Harvest Season
When to harvest it
The fruits reach full maturity, marked by an orange color, in late summer and autumn of the southern hemisphere.
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