For the tunas fruta in Thailand, see Pattaya. For Thai weightlifter, see Pitaya Tibnoke.
These fruits are commonly known in English as “dragon fruit”, a name used since around 1963, apparently resulting from the leather-like skin and prominent scaly spikes on the fruit exterior. Pitaya-producing cacti of the genus Selenicereus are native to regions including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and northern South America. This section does not cite any sources. They are more sour and refreshing, with juicier flesh and a stronger taste. This is the most commonly seen “dragon fruit”.
After a thorough cleaning of the seeds from the pulp of the fruit, the seeds may be stored when dried. The ideal fruit is unblemished and overripe. Pitaya cacti usually germinate after between 11 and 14 days after shallow planting. As they are cacti, overwatering is a concern for home growers. As their growth continues, these climbing plants will find something to climb on, which can involve putting aerial roots down from the branches in addition to the basal roots. Once the plant reaches a mature 4. Pitaya flowers bloom overnight and usually wilt by the evening.