Night-Blooming Cactus, Strawberry Pear, Pitaya

Hylocereus undatus Britt. & Rose

high-low-SEAR-ee-us un-DAY-tus

Cactaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name presumably means woody Cereus (this another cactus genus). Undatus means wavy.

Natural range: Mesoamerica

Recognition: Heavy-stemmed, snakelike semi-vining cactus having 3-angled stems, adventitious roots, enormous cream-colored, funnel-shaped nocturnal flowers, and edible fruits. Hylocereus triangularis, native to Jamaica, is similar but has a yellow (vs. red) fruits.

Landscape uses: Very-long-stemmed, nearly vinelike rambling cactus with showy nocturnal flowers. Dry weather can induce flowering. These require more water than most cacti. Leave them unirrigated in the spring for summer flowering. Keep moist during flower and fruit production.

Internet source: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/strawberry_pear_ars.html