Tropical Plant "Dragon fruit"
Hylocereus undatus

Characteristics - The dragon fruit is a succulent shrub, terrestrial or epiphytic, originally from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador, cultivated throughout the country, both for production of fruit and as an ornamental. Phylloclades (Photosynthesizing branches in leaf form), trialate, with 2-5 short thorns on each aureole, many branched, holding themselves upright with aerial roots that attach to supports. Flowers solitary, androgynous, nocturnal, growing directly from the phylloclades, form in the spring. The fruits are berries, ripening in the summer, they have a farinaceous- succulent pulp with a slightly sweet flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed only in natura and are widely available in markets.

Propagation - Propagated only with cuttings.