Definition
noun, plural: dragon fruits
(1) Hylocereus undatus, the cactus species of the family Cactaceae, and native to Mexico and Central America
(2) The large-scaled, reddish fruit of the plant, Hylocereus undatus
Supplement
The genus Hylocereus is comprised of species that are nocturnal. This means that these plants bloom at night. Hylocereus undatus is one of the species in this genus. It is commonly referred to as the dragon fruit and is considered as the most cultivated species in the genus Hylocereus.
The dragon fruit may pertain to the cactus or the fruit of this plant. The fruit is characteristically oval or oblong in shape, and with large red bracteoles. It has a white (or pink) pulp with small black seeds. The pulp of the fruit is edible. The stems of this plant are green, with horny, undulating margins, and branched. The areoles are 2 mm across with internodes 1 to 4 cm. Its flowers are white and 25 to 30 cm in length and 15 to 17 cm in width.
Variant(s):
- dragonfruit
Scientific classification:
Other common name(s):
- pitahaya or pitaya
- night blooming cereus
- strawberry pear
- belle of the night
- Cinderella plant
- Jesus in the Cradle
See also:
