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 The pitaya (also known as pitahaya and dragon fruit) is the fruit of several cactus species native to Mexico and Central and South America. THe most commonly found species in Nicaragua is the red fleshed Hylocereus polyrhizus.
The pitaya blooms only at night; they are large white fragrant flowers, typical of cactus, that are often called Moonflower or Queen of the Night. These vine-like epiphytic cacti are also cultivated in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They are also found in Taiwan, Okinawa, Israel, and southern China.
Scientific names:
Hylocereus undatus - white flesh with pink skin
Hylocereus polyrhizus - red flesh with pink skin
Selenicereus megalanthus - white flesh with yellow skin
Other names for this fruit: fire dragon fruit, strawberry pear, nanettikafruit, thanh long, huo long guo.
Plant USDA Symbol: HYUN3
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