Hylocereus megalanthus (Yellow Dragonfruit) is a spreading, climbing cactus that produces fruit with a yellow skin and is the rarest of the Dragonfruit’s seen here in Australia. This species is grown commercially for its fruit in many countries, but it is not uncommon to see it growing purely for its ornamental value. Hylocereus megalanthus uses aerial roots to climb and is often grown up large posts or tree trunks; to give the appearance that it is a tree all on its own.
It is quite a beautiful specimen in a cactus garden and bears lovely large flowers and tasty edible fruit.
Check out our pages on Red Dragonfruit and White Dragonfruit.
Growth
Hylocereus megalanthus is a cactus that is native to tropical regions of South America. It can also be grown in dry and temperate climates but it is best to keep them in pots until they are a few years old and well established, before planting them outdoors in temperate areas. Dragonfruit plants need support as they grow, their long succulent branches can be very heavy and may break weak structures eventually. They are easiest to grow and harvest with some height and we recommend growing them up next a strong post or kept in pot off the ground to let their branches hang down.
The 3 sided branches (ribs) can grow to around 6 metres in length, each joint can range between 20 cm’s to 1 metre. It’s flowers are huge, getting up to 35 cm’s in diameter, which is why it received the species name ‘megalanthus’; in Greek this means ‘Large Flower’. The flowers are sweet smelling and nocturnal, opening as the sun is setting and only survive for the one night, as the sun comes up the next morning the petals will start to fall and its life span is sadly over.
The skin of the fruit is yellow on the outside and the flesh of the fruit is white. The Yellow Dragon fruit has spikes on its skin, that often fall off as the fruit ripens. Some say this is the tastiest of the Dragonfruit’s.
Caring for Cacti during Winter
If growing in cooler climates, keep in mind that cacti don’t need water while they are dormant during winter, and can rot if the soil is too moist. The trickiest part if growing them outdoors is keeping the soil fairly dry during cold wet periods. It is best to keep them in containers until they are a couple of years old and well established before planting them outdoors. Raised beds or rockeries where the soil can drain easily are beneficial. Of course you can keep them indoors or in pots outdoors, so that you can move them to a protected area in winter.
FAMILY:
Cactaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 40°C / 32 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil MUST be well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Climbing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated – Self Fertile
MATURITY:
4-5 years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 120
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
WEED POTENTIAL:
None known
FACTS ABOUT HYLOCEREUS MEGALANTHUS (Yellow Dragonfruit)
In South America where this species is native; it is called a Pitahaya. It has a similar texture and taste to a mild flavoured pear or melon.
Dragonfruit has lots of vitamins and minerals and also have some medicinal health benefits.
Unlike the Red & Yellow Dragon fruits who have smooth skin, the Yellow Dragonfruit has small spines
