Red Dragon Fruit Plant
Pitaya
Also known as ‘Pitaya’ in South East Asia, Americas and Australia, it is rich in nutrients. 6-ounce of Dragon Fruit contains,
- Calories: 102
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugars: 13 grams
- Vitamin A: 100 international units (IU)
- Vitamin C: 4 milligrams
- Calcium: 31 milligrams
- Iron: 1 gram
- Magnesium: 68 milligrams
Red Dragon Fruit Plant is a spectacular night flowering cactus with highly ornamental pink skin and red flesh. The refreshing fruit has a subtle melon like flavor with a hint of kiwi fruit and the small black seeds add a light crunch. Great to eat on their own and the vibrant red look spectacular in a fruit salad.
Dragon fruit is getting popular as an edible plant in India and widely cultivated commercially throughout the country. They are especially popular in Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The flower buds start to appear in summer and flower through to autumn. The flowers are white, 20-25cm long and are open for only one night. They begin to burst open as early as 4pm and by 9pm have reached their full beauty.
To propagate Pitaya, generally a wooden post is used for support, with a wooden frame at the top to train the branches over. A single stem is grown up the post then allowed to branch and hang down over the frame. When the branches hang they will flower, which is about 6-12 months after planting. Plants can also be grown on tree stumps or fences. It is a self-pollinating but fruit set may be improved by having the white flesh variety growing nearby.
