Pitainha
Hylocereus setaceus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A succulent climbing shrub. It has aerial roots that assist in its support. The fruit are 10 cm long and 6 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It needs a well-drained soil with a pH of 6 or lower. It grows from sea level to 900 m above sea level in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The fruti are eaten raw. They have a sweet pulp.

It is sometimes cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cereus setaceus Salm-Dyck ex DC.; Mediocactus coccineus (Salm-Dyck ex DC.) Britton & Rose; Mediocactus setaceus (Salm-Dyck ex DC.) Borg; Selenicereus macdonaldiae (Hook.) Britton & Rose; Selenicereus rizzinii Scheinvar; Selenicereus setaceus (Salm-Dyck ex DC.) A. Berger ex Werderm.;