Hylocereus megalanthus

Yellow Pitahaya
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Hylocereus
Species: H. megalanthus
Binomial name
Hylocereus megalanthus
(K. Schumann ex Vaupel) Ralf Bauer
Synonyms

Cereus megalanthus K. Schumann ex Vaupel
Mediocactus megalanthus (K. Schumann ex Vaupel) Britton & Rose
Selenicereus megalanthus (K. Schumann ex Vaupel) Moran

Hylocereus megalanthus is a cactus species in the genus Hylocereus that is native to northern South America, where it is known, along with its fruit, by the name of Pitahaya. The species is grown commercially for its yellow fruit, but is also an impressive ornamental climbing vine with perhaps the largest flowers of all cacti.

The yellow fruit has thorns, unlike the red dragon fruits (H. undatus, H. polyrhizus, H. costaricensis), and is commonly known as "yellow dragon fruit", "yellow pitahaya" or "yellow pitaya".

Etymology

Megalanthus (Greek) - large flowered. This species produces among of the largest flowers within the cactus family.

Origin and habitat

Venezuela to Peru, including Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, in tropical riparian forests. It is Epiphytic or xerophytic.

Description

Systematics

Closely related to Hylocereus setaceus (floral tube or pericarpel 19–22 cm with small tubercles) but otherwice quite isolated within Hylocereus. Is intermediate between Selenicereus and Hylocereus. Recent research suggest that this species originated as a hybrid between species of Hylocereus and Selenicereus (see references). The two species possibly involved, as being native in the same area, are Hylocereus costaricensis and Selenicereus inermis.

Cultivation

An easily cultivated, fast growing plant. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 8 °C (46.5 °F) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade, but best in full sunlight. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in June to October. This plant may grow to a very large size.

Hylocereus megalanthus, Yellow pitahaya fruit with spines removed

See also

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 6/5/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.