Yellow pitahaya
Hylocereus megalanthus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is a succulent, climbing shrub. It has aerial roots that help it attach to trees. The fruit are yellow and have spines but these fall off as the fruit ripens. The fruit are 12 cm long and 7 cm wide. The thin spines on the fruit fall off as the fruit ripens.

Fruit are reasonably high in folates 19μg/100.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can tolerate high temperatures. It needs a well-drained soils and a pH below 6.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are succulent with a sweet flavour.

It is cultivated and fruit are sold in local markets and also exported.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Pitaya amarilla

Synonyms

Selenicereus megalanthus;