How does it grow : Dragon fruit || Amazing Exotic Super Fruit || farming Engineer ||

#indianfarming #dragon fruit
The dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is a tropical fruit that belongs to the climbing cacti (Cactaceae) family. Widely cultivated in Vietnam, the fruit is popular in Southeast Asia.1 Apart from being refreshing and tasty, it has been noted that the dragon fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus.2

Origin and distribution
The dragon fruit’s scientific name is derived from the Greek word hyle (woody), the Latin word cereus (waxen) and the Latin word undatus, which refers to the wavy edges of its stems.3 The origin of the dragon fruit is unknown, but it is probably native to Central America.4 It is also known as pitahaya in Mexico, and pitaya roja in Central America and northern South America. The Spanish name pitahaya may also refer to several other species of tall cacti with flowering fruit.5 The French introduced the fruit into Vietnam over a hundred years ago.6

In 2013, it was reported that Vietnam is the world’s leading exporter of dragon fruit, with revenues from dragon fruit making up 55 percent of the country’s fruit export turnover.7 However, other countries such as Thailand, Israel, northern Australia, southern China, the Philippines and Hawaii have also been trying to grow the fruit.8

Description
The plant is a climbing cactus vine that grows well in dry areas.9 Because of its epiphytic nature, it grows best in soil with a high level of organic materials.10 Its flowers bloom only at night, hence the plant is sometimes also called the “moonflower” or “Lady of the Night”.11 The flowers, which bloom for only one night,12 are white and large, measuring 20 cm long or more.13 They are bell-shaped and are fragrant when in bloom.14 Pitahaya plants can have between four to six fruiting cycles in one year.15 It can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings.16

The dragon fruit has a dramatic appearance, with bright red, purple or yellow-skinned varieties and prominent scales.17 The fruit is oval, elliptical or pear-shaped. The flesh has a subtly flavoured sweet taste or sometimes slightly sourish taste.18 The flesh is either white or red, with edible black seeds dotted all over.19

The dragon fruit is closely related to the orchid cacti, or epiphyllum, which are known for their large and impressive flowers. The pitahaya can be cross-pollinated with the epiphyllum.20

Usage and potential
The fruit is commonly eaten raw and is thought to taste better chilled.21 It is also served as a juice or made into a fruit sorbet.22 The fruit can be used to flavour drinks, while syrup made of the whole fruit is used to colour pastries and candy.23 Unopened flower buds can be cooked like vegetables.24 The dragon fruit reputedly improves eyesight and controls hypertension.25

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