The Hylocereus is a vine-y cactus native to Central and South America, but is now cultivated extensively throughout Southeast Asia for sweet, bright pink pitaya, commonly referred to as dragon fruit.

What part of the plant does dragon fruit come from?

OVERVIEW. There is some taxonomic confusion about exactly what a “dragon fruit” is. For most of us who purchase the fruit at a supermarket or a juice bar, the term most often refers to the plump, juicy fruit of Hylocereus undatus, a vining cactus native to Central America.

What is a dragon fruit plant called?

Hylocereus undatus is a vine-like cactus that is often grown as a night-flowering ornamental plant and as a fruit crop.

What are dragon fruits made of?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or the strawberry pear, is a beautiful tropical fruit that is sweet and crunchy. The plant the fruit comes from is actually a type of cactus of the genus Hylocereus, which includes about 20 different species.

How are dragon fruit formed?

Dragon fruit grow easily from seed or cuttings. To grow from seed, squash some flesh onto paper towel and keep moist in a warm position but away from direct sunlight. Seeds will sprout 2-3 weeks later and can be potted up into punnets.

Is dragon fruit a flower?

Dragon fruit flower, also called Pitaya [pit-EYE-ah], is an exotic fruit cactus with colorful leaves, flowers, and fruits. Pitaya typically refers to the fruit of a genus columnar – Stenocereus which has a prominent exterior with scaly spikes. Dragon fruit flowers have a few common names as follows: Red Pitahaya.

Is dragon fruit a cactus?

While you may not initially equate “cactus” with “edible,” the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is indeed borne on a cactus. When the fruit is cut open, the flesh is revealed to be snow-white and peppered with tiny, edible black seeds throughout — quite a contrast to the exterior.

Is dragon fruit tropical?

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. Its taste is like a combination of a kiwi and a pear.

Can you plant dragon fruit seeds?

To grow dragon fruit from seed, slice a dragon fruit in half and use a spoon to scrape out some seeds. Pulp will cling to the seeds, and it’s fine to plant with it attached. Fill a cup or small pot with sterile seed starter or cactus soil mix. Moisten the soil but avoid saturating it with water.

What is the English name of dragon fruit?

Pitaya fruit, pitahaya fruit, commonly known as the dragon fruit, is a fruit from Central America, South America, and Asia. It has a light sweet taste, an intense shape and colour, and has a texture of between that of a kiwi and an apple.

Why is it called dragon fruit?

The name ‘dragon fruit’ is derived from its unique appearance, where the spikes resemble fire and the scales resemble that of a dragon, as depicted in Chinese mythology.

Is dragon fruit a Superfood?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. Its unique look and acclaimed superfood powers have made it popular among foodies and the health-conscious.

Which dragon fruit is red inside?

Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja or red-fleshed pitaya, also known as Hylocereus polyrhizus) has red-skinned fruit with red flesh.

How do you grow a dragon fruit plant?

Dragon Fruit can be grown on almost any soils however Sandy soils that have good irrigation are generally preferred. The ph of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5 for a good crop. Beds should be at least 40-50 cm high.

Do dragon fruit flowers become fruit?

Once pollinated, the dragonfruit forms at the base of the flower. The flower fades as the dragonfruit grows. Dragonfruit takes about 21 days to go from bud to flower and 30 days to go from flower to fruit.

How many dragon fruit does a tree produce?

Dragon fruit normally fruits after 18-24 months after plantation. It is a vegetative fruit plant which normally fruits during or after monsoons. It fruits in 3 to 4 waves during one season. Each Pole fruits approx 40 to 100 fruits per wave.