Classification

Domain: Eukarya

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Cactaceae

Genus: Hylocereus

Species: Hylocereus undatus

Domain Eukarya: All organisms under the domain Eukarya have eukaryotic cells, which are cells that contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

Kingdom Plantae: The kingdom Plantae is composed of the land plants. Members of this kingdom possess cells walls made of cellulose and are able to photosynthesize. 

Phylum Magnoliophyta: Dragon fruit is apart of the Magnoliophyta (or Anthophyta) because it is a flowering plant. Members of this phylum are also known as angiosperms, since they produce covered seeds.  Learn about other interesting organisms in this phylum, visit the site for the Cranberry or Opium Poppy.

Class Magnoliopsida: Members of this class are also often referred to as eudicotyledons, or eudicots. As a member of this class, dragon fruit produces two
cotyledons and has cambium tissue in the stem.  To discover other organisms under this class, head to Madagascar Periwinkle or Black Pepper.

Order Caryophyllales: Members of the Caryophyllales are often characterized as exhibiting adaptations structurally and physiologically which allow them to survive
in somewhat extreme environments.

Family Cactaceae: Dragon fruit belong to the cactus family. Members in this family are often adapted to exist is dry, hot climates.  Want to learn about other species in the Cactaceae family?  Visit the sites for the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus and the Christmas Cactus.

Genus Hylocereus: The genus Hylocereus contains just under 20 known species. The members of Hylocereus are climbing epiphytic cacti, which produce large, fragrant flowers.

Species Hylocereus undatus: Hylocereus undatus is a species of dragon fruit that is distinguished by its red skin and white flesh.

 

Hylocereus undatus is a member of the kingdom Plantae.  The phylogenetic tree shown above shows where the kingdom Plantae falls into the 5 supergroups of the domain Eukarya.

Hylocereus undatus is a member of the eudicotyledons.  The phylogenetic tree above shows where this group falls under the kingdom Plantae.

 

Learn more about the habitat and interactions of Hylocereus undatus.

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