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'''Dragon fruit''' ('''''Selenicereus undatus'''''; also pitaya; white-fleshed pitaya; strawberry pear) is a Cactaceae fruit plant grown for its berry. This page treats the accepted species name as canonical and uses the common name as a navigational alias.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 400px; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Nance (''Byrsonima crassifolia'')
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Dragon fruit (''Selenicereus undatus '')
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Nanche.jpg|thumb|center|250px|Ripe nance fruit.]]
|-
|-
! Scientific name
! Scientific name
| ''Byrsonima crassifolia'' (L.) Kunth
|| ''Selenicereus undatus''
|-
|-
! Genus
! Genus
| [[Byrsonima]]
|| [[Selenicereus]]
|-
|-
! Family
! Family
| [[Malpighiaceae]]
|| [[Cactaceae]]
|-
|-
! Order
! Order
| [[Malpighiales]]
|| [[Caryophyllales]]
|-
! Fruit type
|| Berry
|-
|-
! Growth form
! Growth form
| Slow-growing shrub or small tree
|| Climbing cactus
|-
|-
! Native range
! Climate and hardiness
| Mexico to tropical South America and the Caribbean
|| Tropical to warm subtropical; protect from hard frost
|-
|-
! Native biome
! Mature height
| Savanna, open woodland, and seasonally dry tropical vegetation
|| 3–6 m when supported
|-
|-
! Mature height
! Mature width
| Usually 3 to 10 m; sometimes taller
|| 2–4 m spread on trellis
|-
|-
! Soil
! Soil
| Adaptable; sandy, acidic, low-fertility soils if well drained
|| Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness
|-
! Water
|| Regular moisture during growth, reduced during cool or dormant periods
|-
|-
! Flowers
! Sun
| Small yellow flowers in terminal racemes
|| Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat
|-
|-
! Fruit
! Germination
| Yellow to orange drupe, strongly aromatic
|| 10–30 days from fresh seed; seedlings are variable
|-
|-
! Propagation
! Years to fruit
| Seed; cuttings and grafting for selected material
|| 2–3 years from cuttings in good conditions
|-
! Pollination
|| Self-compatible in some forms; hand pollination improves set and some cultivars need a compatible pollen source
|-
|-
! Harvest
! Harvest
| At yellow maturity or natural abscission, commonly in the wet-season transition
|| Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature
|}
|}


'''Nance''' (''Byrsonima crassifolia'') is a fruiting shrub or small tree in the genus [[Byrsonima]], family [[Malpighiaceae]], and order [[Malpighiales]]. It is known by regional names including nanche, nanche amarillo, nancite, changunga, murici, and golden spoon. The small yellow fruit is strongly scented and may be sweet, sour, or bittersweet depending on selection and maturity.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
== Identification and description ==
A fast-growing, night-blooming cactus with triangular, winged stems and large white flowers. The oval red or pink fruit has white flesh and many small black seeds. The name dragon fruit covers several cultivated Selenicereus species; this page is for the widely grown white-fleshed species.


== Description ==
The accepted genus, family, and order are [[Selenicereus]], [[Cactaceae]], and [[Caryophyllales]]. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.


The species is a slow-growing shrub or tree, commonly 3 to 10 m tall, with leathery opposite leaves and terminal clusters of small yellow flowers. It occurs as scattered trees or dense stands in open pine woodland, savanna, coastal vegetation, and other seasonally dry tropical habitats. The crown can be rounded, and mature bark may become dark and fissured.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>
== Growing ==
In nature it climbs on trees or rocks rather than standing as a shrub. Give it a strong post or trellis, rapid drainage, and enough heat for repeated flushes. Mulch can protect roots, but keep the crown and stem bases dry. Young plants tolerate some shade; mature plants generally flower best in bright light.


[[File:Byrsonima crassifolia (7554340816).jpg|thumb|left|240px|Nance plant and foliage.]]
=== Soil ===
Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness.


The fruit is a small round drupe, commonly about 1 to 2 cm across. The peel is usually yellow at maturity but may become orange or reddish in some selections. The pulp is soft and aromatic, surrounding a hard stone. Flavor ranges from sweet to distinctly sour, and fruit quality varies substantially among wild trees and regional selections.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
=== Sun and humidity ===
Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.


<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=== Seasonal changes ===
 
Wild populations experience a marked wet season and a drier interval. Cultivated plants flower in warm, bright periods, often after rain or irrigation pulses; cool or short-day conditions can suppress flowering. Protect stems from prolonged cold and shift to restrained watering in cool weather.
== Climate and site ==
 
Nance is native from Mexico through Central America into northern and central South America, with populations in the Caribbean. It is associated with seasonally dry tropical climates and can tolerate drought once established. In its native range, fruiting often follows flowering during the transition into the rainy season; exact timing varies by locality.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup>
 
The tree tolerates sandy, acidic, and relatively infertile soils, but cultivated plants still benefit from good drainage, organic matter, and adequate moisture during flowering and fruit enlargement. It can grow in loam or clay loam if the soil does not remain saturated. Full sun promotes compact growth and fruit production. Avoid treating drought tolerance as tolerance of permanently waterlogged roots.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>


== Propagation ==
== Propagation ==
Cuttings are the normal commercial and garden method and preserve the parent type. Let a section callus briefly, plant it in a porous medium, and keep it only lightly moist until rooted. Seed is useful for breeding but does not come true.


Seed is the most documented method, but nance seeds are recalcitrant and lose viability during storage. Sow fresh, cleaned stones in a warm, porous medium. Seedlings may differ in sweetness, acidity, fruit size, and yield, so clonal propagation is preferable when a superior tree has been identified. Cuttings, layering, and grafting have been studied, but success depends on clone, season, and technique.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==
 
Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== Flowering, fruiting and harvest ==
 
Flowers are produced in terminal racemes and are visited by bees, including oil-collecting and other native bee species. Fruit development and harvest timing vary with rainfall and locality. In parts of Mexico and Central America, the main harvest is associated with late spring and the beginning of the rainy season.
 
Fruits may be collected when yellow and fully developed or after natural abscission. Fully ripe fallen fruit is highly perishable; under ambient conditions it may last less than five days. Harvesting at a yellow-green stage and cooling promptly can extend usable life. A single harvest month for all regions: N/A.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>


== Fruit and uses ==
== Fruit and uses ==
Eat ripe fruit chilled or fresh. The mild, lightly sweet flesh is used in drinks, smoothies, salads, preserves, and frozen desserts. Flowers are also edible when young and are cooked in some regional cuisines.


[[File:Byrsonima crassifolia(Fruto).jpg|thumb|right|260px|Nance fruit.]]
== Photos ==
 
No verified Commons image is included yet; add one only after checking the individual file page and license.
Nance is eaten fresh and is processed into drinks, pulps, syrups, jams, jellies, ice cream flavorings, fermented beverages, and regional sweets. The fruit's strong aroma and variable sweet-sour flavor are central to its culinary use. Pulp, peel, and stone should be handled separately when preparing processed products because the stone is hard and the fruit softens rapidly.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>


<div style="clear: both;"></div>
== Commentary ==
 
Growers are invited to share observations about Dragon fruit on the [[Talk:Selenicereus undatus|talk page]], especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.
== Pests and diseases ==
 
Recorded problems include fruit flies, flower and fruit attacks by other insects, mites, and fungal diseases affecting leaves or fruit. Regional pest pressure differs, and a universal treatment schedule: N/A. Sanitation, removal of damaged fruit, airflow, and clean nursery stock are useful baseline measures.<sup>[[#cite_note-1|[1]]]</sup>
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== Cultivars and selections ==
 
Nance is still represented by many wild, backyard, and locally selected trees. Documented selections differ in fruit color, pulp yield, acidity, sweetness, and harvest behavior. A universally standardized cultivar list: N/A.
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== Container growing ==
 
Young nance trees can be grown in large containers with a mineral, well-drained mix. Provide full sun, water during active growth, and allow the surface to dry slightly between irrigations. Container plants should be shifted gradually into larger pots and protected from prolonged cool, wet conditions.
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== Zone pushing ==
 
* Treat the plant as frost-sensitive outside warm subtropical climates.
* Use raised beds or coarse amendments where winter rainfall combines with heavy soil.
* Keep fresh seed moist and sow it promptly rather than storing it dry.
* Record fruit flavor, color, harvest stage, and tree origin when selecting seedlings.
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== References ==
 
<ol>
<li id="cite_note-1">[[#cite_ref-1|↑]] [https://www.sciendo.com/article/10.2478/fhort-2023-0005 San-Martín-Hernández et al., ''Byrsonima crassifolia'' L. Kunth a bio-resource with potential]. Fruit biology, harvest, propagation, soils, cultivation, pests, and uses.</li>
<li id="cite_note-2">[[#cite_ref-2|↑]] [https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:556033-1 Plants of the World Online: ''Byrsonima crassifolia'' (L.) Kunth]. Accepted name, range, life form, and biome.</li>
<li id="cite_note-3">[[#cite_ref-3|↑]] [https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/newcrop/1493.html Purdue NewCROP: Nance]. Traditional fruit and plant-use information.</li>
</ol>
 
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
 
== Image credits ==
 
* Summary: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nanche.jpg fruit].
* Description: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byrsonima_crassifolia_(7554340816).jpg plant and foliage].
* Fruit and uses: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byrsonima_crassifolia(Fruto).jpg fruit].
* Photos: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byrsonima_Crassifolia-Malphigiaceae.JPG flowers]; [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malpighiaceae-_Byrsonima_crassifolia_(nance).jpg foliage].
 
== Photos ==


[[File:Byrsonima Crassifolia-Malphigiaceae.JPG|thumb|right|260px|Nance flowers.]]
== Sources ==
[[File:Malpighiaceae- Byrsonima crassifolia (nance).jpg|thumb|left|260px|Nance foliage.]]
* [https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pitaya.html Purdue NewCROP: Pitaya]
* [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Selenicereus+undatus Useful Tropical Plants: Selenicereus undatus]
* [https://ecocrop.apps.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/cropView?id=10142 FAO Ecocrop search: dragon fruit]


[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Tropical fruit trees]]
[[Category:Cactaceae]]
[[Category:Byrsonima]]
[[Category:Selenicereus]]
[[Category:Mesoamerican plants]]

Revision as of 14:25, 4 August 2026

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus; also pitaya; white-fleshed pitaya; strawberry pear) is a Cactaceae fruit plant grown for its berry. This page treats the accepted species name as canonical and uses the common name as a navigational alias.

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus )
Scientific name Selenicereus undatus
Genus Selenicereus
Family Cactaceae
Order Caryophyllales
Fruit type Berry
Growth form Climbing cactus
Climate and hardiness Tropical to warm subtropical; protect from hard frost
Mature height 3–6 m when supported
Mature width 2–4 m spread on trellis
Soil Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness
Water Regular moisture during growth, reduced during cool or dormant periods
Sun Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat
Germination 10–30 days from fresh seed; seedlings are variable
Years to fruit 2–3 years from cuttings in good conditions
Pollination Self-compatible in some forms; hand pollination improves set and some cultivars need a compatible pollen source
Harvest Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature

Identification and description

A fast-growing, night-blooming cactus with triangular, winged stems and large white flowers. The oval red or pink fruit has white flesh and many small black seeds. The name dragon fruit covers several cultivated Selenicereus species; this page is for the widely grown white-fleshed species.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Selenicereus, Cactaceae, and Caryophyllales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

In nature it climbs on trees or rocks rather than standing as a shrub. Give it a strong post or trellis, rapid drainage, and enough heat for repeated flushes. Mulch can protect roots, but keep the crown and stem bases dry. Young plants tolerate some shade; mature plants generally flower best in bright light.

Soil

Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness.

Sun and humidity

Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Wild populations experience a marked wet season and a drier interval. Cultivated plants flower in warm, bright periods, often after rain or irrigation pulses; cool or short-day conditions can suppress flowering. Protect stems from prolonged cold and shift to restrained watering in cool weather.

Propagation

Cuttings are the normal commercial and garden method and preserve the parent type. Let a section callus briefly, plant it in a porous medium, and keep it only lightly moist until rooted. Seed is useful for breeding but does not come true.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Eat ripe fruit chilled or fresh. The mild, lightly sweet flesh is used in drinks, smoothies, salads, preserves, and frozen desserts. Flowers are also edible when young and are cooked in some regional cuisines.

Photos

No verified Commons image is included yet; add one only after checking the individual file page and license.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Dragon fruit on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

Sources

Retrieved from "https://wikifruit.nuclearmayhem.com/index.php?title=Byrsonima_crassifolia&oldid=222"