Like a tropical vine under a canopy, they would climb up trees for good sun exposure. Pitayas mature well with bright sunlight, but they can grow in semi-shade too. How to Grow and Care for Dragon Fruit Plant Growth Requirements The massive flower is night-blooming and lasts only from dusk until dawn but once pollinated, it turns into a 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) exotic scaly fruit with thick white pulp inside full of tiny black seeds (3). Hylocereus undatus is considered the showiest cactus because, in summer, it produces 12 in (30 cm) fragrant flowers with white petals, large yellow stigma, and many stamens. This cactus has 3-sided succulent jointed stems with small spikes running down the edges and fibrous aerial roots that allow the plant to cling to surfaces (2).ĭespite the sprawling habit, each plant can reach an impressive height of 30 feet (9.1 m) with the support of trees, shrubs, and rocks in the wild. The edible fruit makes this cactus popular around the world, and it goes by other names such as pitaya, night-blooming cereus, belle of the night, selenicereus undatus, the white-fleshed pitahaya, etc… The plant got its common name from the scaly appearance of the pink, red, peach, sometimes yellow fruit that can weigh up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg). It is scientifically called Hylocereus undatus and is one of the few cacti that are both epiphytic and terrestrial (1). The Dragon Fruit cactus may sound mythical, but it actually exists and originated from Central America and northern South America. If you are looking for a plant to add to your edible landscape or your cacti collection at home, this special cactus is for you. This cactus not only provides food but ornamental and functional purposes in the landscape too. Several cacti species actually offer edible parts which are used in many delectable dishes today, the most popular one being the Dragon Fruit cactus. How to Grow and Care for Dragon Fruit Plantīut because people are adventurous, and we have a need to survive, the cacti group is explored for their digestible properties.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |