Selenicereus undatus aka Dragon Fruit

Selenicereus undatus is the cactus grown for dragon fruit. Its older name is Hylocereus undatus. Sources place its home range from Mexico to Honduras. Long cultivation makes its true wild range hard to trace. Growers raise it across warm parts of the world. It grows on trees, rocks, or in the ground. This fast-growing perennial climbs with roots that form along its stems.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. Larger plants can exceed 16 feet [5 metres] in height. Individual stems may reach 33 feet [10 metres] long. The green stems branch, trail, and spread across their support. Each fleshy joint has three angles and wavy edges. Small grey-brown spines grow along the stems. Wear gloves when handling them to avoid cuts. A trellis or arbor can hold the climbing growth. Containers suit the plant where space and warmth allow.

Large white flowers give off scent and open at night. Each flower lasts just one night before it closes. Green or yellow-green parts frame the white bloom. Flowers can span about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Sources report spring and summer bloom, though some record January through April. Bats and moths pollinate the flowers in their home range. Greenhouse plants may need hand pollination to set fruit. The pink-red berries have a thick skin with raised scales. White flesh holds many small black seeds. People eat the sweet flesh and seeds fresh or cooked. They also use the fruit in jams, drinks, and desserts. Cooks use unopened buds as a vegetable and flowers for tea.

This cactus needs warmth and soil that drains well. Sources recommend acid soil, sand, loam, or cactus compost. Outdoor guidance favours sun, while RHS recommends bright filtered greenhouse light. Strong sun can scorch stems and cause water loss. Water during active growth, then reduce watering in winter. Let soil become nearly dry between waterings, without prolonged winter dryness. The plant tolerates drought but still needs water while growing. Chicago lists USDA zones 10–12; RHS rates it H1A. Frost can kill it, so cold regions need warm shelter.

Growers value both its fruit and its large, scented flowers. It can form a hedge and provide wildlife food and shelter. Scale, mealybugs, and ants may cause trouble. Poor airflow can favour anthracnose and other stem infections. Excess water can cause stem and root rot. Birds may peck the fruit. It can escape gardens and become invasive in warm areas. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Some people have fruit allergies or possible medicine interactions.