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Dragon Fruit / Pitayaπ΅
Hylocereus undatus
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A climbing succulent in the cactus family, native to Central America and now widely cultivated in Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and other tropical regions. Also known as pitaya. Large white flowers (up to 30 cm across) open for a single night; when cross-pollinated, they develop into red to pink fruit with a scaly skin. The white or red flesh is studded with tiny black seeds, with a crunchy texture and mild sweetness. Rich in vitamin C, fibre, and magnesium.
Identification Points
- βClimbing cactus with three-ribbed stems seeking support
- βLarge night-blooming white flowers 20β30 cm across, open only for one night
- βRed to pink scaly fruit; flesh with many small black seeds
Habitat
Cultivated (tropical and subtropical)
Season
June to November (flowers and fruit)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Vine
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Flower color
White
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγ΅γγγ³η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core Eudicots > Caryophyllales > Cactaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 35 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification