Hobbies And Interests
Pitahaya Cactus Growth
The pitaya cactus grows roots from any part of the plant. A cutting from either a mature plant or a seedling, placed in dry soil at least 1 to 2 inches deep and given warmth, much sunlight and a biweekly watering, will take root. Once rooted, the cactus grows leaves from any node, and grows best along a pole or stake. Since the plant roots and produces leaves easily, it is relatively efficient at absorbing sunlight and water. This hardy plant eventually grows to be at least 10 lbs in weight. The cactus starts producing fruit after approximately 8 months, and has a fertile period of 3 to 4 years.
Pitahaya Cactus Pollination
The pitahaya cactus is night-blooming, so most pollination occurs after dark. Nocturnal animals and insects, most commonly bats and moths, pollinate the cactus. Pitahaya blossoms are pollen-rich. In the short blossoming period, while in the process of closing or withering after sunrise, they also attract many daytime pollen-gatherers, such as bees. Pollinators and other animals also aid the cactus's reproduction by eating the fruit and dropping its un- or partially-digested seeds as waste. Humans also transport the fruit to new regions for cultivation; it's believed the French introduced the fruit to Southeast Asia, where it now enjoys tremendous popularity.
Dragon Fruit Growth and Harvest
A healthy cactus has a short bloom period. The blossoms, which have a large and pollen-rich yellow center and short, white petals, drop off after as little as one night. Thirty to 50 days later, fruits develop on the cactus where the blossoms once were. Like the blossom period, the growth period for the dragon fruit is relatively short (the specific length depends on the amount of sunlight the plant receives), so the cactus produces multiple harvests each year, usually four to five. Even in climates with both dry and rainy seasons, such as Cambodia, dragon fruit may be produced and harvested throughout the year. If a pitahaya cactus isn't producing dragon fruit all year, or if the fruit is especially sour or tasteless, the plant may be in a location with not enough warmth or sun.
Dragon Fruit Consumption
Dragon Fruit is most commonly eaten fresh. Only the flesh and seeds are consumed -- the skin is inedible. The pulp may also be ground and used as an ingredient in yogurt or ice cream. The fruit is a type of berry and, like other berries, it can also be preserved or made into jelly. Captin, a chemical used as a medication to treat heart problems, is present in the fruit's flesh. An oil in the seed acts as a mild laxative.