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Red-fleshed Pitaya
Hylocereus costaricensis
11.0009, -85.2766
Field Notes
Description:
Climbing Cactus. Has long shoots with a triangular cross-section that grow epiphytic roots that hold on to whatever it's climbing on. Generally starts bloom shortly after the dry season ends and continues on and off till it begins again. The flowers are large 15-25cm across and open during the night and wilt as soon as the sun shines upon them. On a rainy day they may remain open till 8-9 am.
Habitat:
These are grown in home gardens here pretty commonly.
Notes:
Also known as Dragon-fruit in the US. The flavor is very mild and the first time I tried one I didn't get the hype. Here's what I've learned having a plant of my own. If you want to just eat it as is, it should be picked the day it turns red. Otherwise they lose their flavor with each passing day. Even when very ripe I find they make a good pitaya lemonade by blending the pulp of one fruit into regular lemonade. Makes for a very tasty and colorful drink.
The plants are also known as "Queen of the Night" referring to the large flowers that bloom only at night.
The
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