Tropical fruits: Dragonfruit

Dragon fruit (or pitaya) is the fruit of a cactus which blooms at night. This page provides some basic information on the dragon fruit followed by some photos.

Scientific name:	Hylocereus sp.
Family:	Cactaceae
Order:	Caryophyllales
Common names:	Dragon fruit, Pitaya, Pitahaya, Strawberry pear
Origin:	Mexico, Central and South America
Distribution:	Mexico, Central and South America, South-East Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Southern China, Israel
Evergreen or deciduous:	Evergreen
Flowers:	The plant flowers only at night. The large white flowers are called "moonflower" or "queen of the night".
Leaves:	It's a vine-like plants in the cactus family. The cactus-like tree has no leaves.
Fruits:	The typical bright pink or red colored fruits weigh from 200 to 700 grams. They are 7-10 cm wide and 10-15 cm long. The flesh inside is white and contains many small black seeds. It has a mildly sweet taste. The fruit is supposed to have the color and shape of a dragon's eye. Towards the end of the fruit are several soft scales with a greenish color.
Climate and weather:	Dry tropical climates. Requires moderate amounts of rain.
Pollination:	Self pollination. But pollination improves if bees or ants are present and by hand pollination.
Height:	The plant is often grown along cement poles of about 2 meter height with wooden crosspieces to support the vines.
Type of soil:	Grows in any soil but likes rich organic matter plus sand. Prefers well-drained soils.
Light:	Like bright sunshine.
Spacing (close range)	3 meter?
Spacing (wide range)
Propagation:	Propagated by seed or by cutting.
Insect pests:	Few pests: aphids, mealybugs
Diseases:	Stem rot (Xanthomonas campestris), Collar rot (Phytopthora sp.), Root rots (Fusarium sp., Alternara sp.)
Fruit development:	Fruits are produce throughout the year.
Harvesting:	Hand pick the mature fruits.
Uses:	Fruits are peeled and the white flesh is eaten fresh. Fruits can also be used to prepare juice or wine.

Dragonfruit

Photos

Proverbs

Recipes