Dragon fruit is a species of Cactus family native to Central and South America, Mexico and now naturalized throughout the world because it's nutrition value, health benefits and colorful appearance. It is commercially cultivated in Sri Lanka for export as a fruit and also popular now in home gardens as a ornamental. The plant well grown in wet zone and Intermediate zone in Sri Lanka.
| Common Classification | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Pitahaya, Pitaya, Dragon fruit |
| Scientific Name | Hylocereus undatus |
| Sinhala Name | Makara Palaturu, Boo Naaga |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Hylocereus undatus |
| Species | Hylocereus undatus |
| Synonym | Cactus triangularis, Cereus undatus, Cereus tricostatus |
| Ecology | |
| Category | Ornamental - Fruits |
| Growth Habit | Vine -Shrub |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Origin | Introduced |
| Status | Cultivate |
| Property | |
| Culinary / Edible | Yes |
| Use as Herb | Yes |
| Other Use | n/a |
| Poisoned / Toxin | No |
| Identification | |
 
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