Pitaya roja
Hylocereus ocamponis

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A climbing cactus. The stems are about 3 m long. They are waxy green with wavy edges. They are usually 3 angled. They are 6 cm across. The spine spots are brownish-red. There are 5-8 yellowish spines up to 1.5 cm long. The flowers open at night. They are 30 cm long. They are white inside and yellowish green on the outside. They can be red inside and out. It is used as a hedge plant.

There are 18-24 Hylocereus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the forest. It needs light shade. It needs a temperature above 15°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, North America, Puerto Rico, South America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for juice.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cereus ocamponis Salm-Dyck;