Selenicereus undatus
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
Native populations occur in seasonally dry tropical areas of Central America, often rooted in porous soils or climbing on rocks and trees. Keep the crown dry, provide strong support, and use irrigation pulses during active growth rather than constant saturation.
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.
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.
Photos
The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.
Sources
Image credits
- Pitaya cross section ed2.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
- Hylocereus undatus in bloom in Kona.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
