Dragon fruit

 

Hylocereus undatus is an edible, climbing cactus that produces a delicious and nutritious fruit that is currently being cultivated in over 20 countries around the world.   Hylocereus undatus is also recognized as an ornamental plant due to the large white flowers which bloom during the night.  Hylocereus undatus, or dragon fruit, is also commonly known as pitaya, night blooming cactus and strawberry pear. The name dragon fruit most likely was adapted due to the appearance of the scales on the outside of the fruit. Dragon fruit is also the common name for several other species mainly in the Hylocereus and Selenicereus genera. Hylocereus undatus can be distinguished apart from these other species by its red skin and white flesh. 

Learn more about the classification of Hylocereus undatus.

 

The photograph presented at the top of each page on the website is by rocor via Flickr

 

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To learn about other interesting organisms, visit the homepage for Multiple Organisms!

 

This page last updated 4/22/2012.