Introduction

Selenicereus is a member of the tribe Hylocereeae, a small cactus tribe that also contains Disocactus, Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, Pseudorhipsalis, and Weberocereus. Hylocereus and Selenicereus in particular are known as the vine cacti and they produced fruits sold in commerce (pitaya or pitayah).

The Details

Selenicereus is a New World plant, but it was introduced into Vietnam in the mid-nineteenth century. It does well in that climate and is perhaps better known there than in the Americas. The cactus fruit is known as the dragon pearl fruit and it is golden-yellow. H. undatus is another member of the Hylocereeae; it produces a red fruit. Many hybrids between Selenicereus species and/or Hylocereus species have been produced and many hybrid fruit clones are under development around the world in arid lands.

Selenicereus flowers open at night and are moth pollinated. They are typically large and beautiful.

Additional Reading: Vine Cacti