| |
Selenicereus
megalanthus or Dragon fruit belongs to the Cactaceae
family. Native of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. A
wonderful climbing cactus that grows very large. The
cacti are epiphytes or lithophytes, climbing along the
tree trunks using air roots. Yellow pitaya needs a
trellis system for support if you want the fruits to get
to their full size.
Their stems may lie along the ground (procumbent), climb
(scandent), or hang (pendent). They are often only 1.5cm
thick, producing aerial roots. These strongly scented,
large, trumpet-like flowers are freely produced in late
summer beautiful, large, fragrant, cream-white flowers.
Blooms from June to October. Their flowers are nocturnal
and funnel-shaped, and about 32-38cm long.
The flowers are followed by delicious, refreshing fruit
in 4-8 weeks. The Yellow Pitaya has an appealing tangy
flavor. The fruit has thorns that occur on the fruit
itself. They are small to medium, usually weighing 0.5-0.75
lbs. They ripen from late November to February, and it is
certainly among the sweetest and tastiest of all the
dragon fruit. This variety is self pollinating, and it
will set fruit on its own.
Hardiness zones: 10-11, (1/35, 4/40). The Pitaya is easy
to cultivate, and a fast growing plant. Will grow in semi-shade,
but for best results put it in full sun. Extra light in
the early spring will stimulate budding. Keep drier in
winter at a minimum of some 12°C.
|
|
