Pitaya
The pitaya (pitahaya) fruit is a tropical jungle cactus vine that can grow in soil or on tree bark like the orchid. This cactus originated in Central America and subsequently the plant has been cultivated in various parts of the world and especially in Vietnam over the last 100 years. To grow a commercial crop is a challenge because the cactus can get sunburnt and frost damaged. The plant propagates easily from stem cuttings. The flowers are huge and cross pollination is often required for the fruit.
Sometimes even called the "dragon fruit" it is a bit like the kiwi and can weigh up to 3 pounds.
With its fuchsia-pink skin and scales, this pitaya fruit is in fact a cactus fruit and so unlike any other fruit in appearance. Cut it in half to reveal the opaque white or red to purple flesh dotted with small black seeds which look like black sesame seeds.
Besides the fruit, its flowers and leaves are also edible when cooked. Its flower in full bloom is like a beautiful ornamental orchid cactus that blooms only on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar calendar. With a lovely fragrance, the flower is so beautiful that it is sometimes nicknamed “Noblewoman.”
The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and water soluble fiber and is also claimed to have a high nutritional and medicinal value. Some say that it has the functions of improving eyesight and preventing hypertension.
It is also used to flavor drinks and pastries.
With all these qualities, it is not difficult to understand why this fruit is sometimes also referred to as the fruit of “the 21st century “or “lucky fruit “

DRAGON FRUIT - PITAYA, Hylocereus sp

Also known as the Dragon Fruit, the Pitaya is a stunningly beautiful fruit with an intense colour and shape, magnificent flowers and a delicious taste. Once only seen in the finest restaurants it is fast becoming common-place throughout Australia as a garnish and a delicious fresh fruit. To eat the fruit serve chilled and cut in half. Scoop out the flesh and seeds much like a kiwi fruit.

Hylocereus undatus is a red skinned climbing cactus that has received world-wide recognition as an ornamental plant for its large, scented, night-blooming flowers. It produces fruit of 1 kg or more and has a light melon-like taste. The colour of the skin is a beautiful bright red, with translucent white flesh and tiny black seeds. The species is easily recognisable by the triangular cross-section of its stem and minimal spines. This species pollinates very well with H polyrhizus.

The H polyrhizus has a small fruit up to 1 kg with red skin, dark-red flesh and small black seeds. The stems of this species have more spines.

The Selenicereus megalanthus has yellow skin and clear to white flesh containing edible black seeds. It has smaller fruit and higher levels of sugar. There are 2 types available Red and Yellow. The red although very attractive is not as flavoursome as the yellow variety and requires.

Pitaya - Red Dragon Fruit

A spectacular night flowering cactus with highly ornamental pink skin & red flesh fruit containing numerous small black seeds. Fruit can be up to 1kg with a melon like flavour. Self pollinating selection.

Pitaya - Yellow Dragon Fruit

These strongly scented trumpet like flowers are freely produced in late summer followed by fruit in 4-8 weeks. Yellow fruit and white flesh. Best flavoured pitaya, but very thorny.