Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus monacanthus) is an epiphytic succulent up to 10 meters long of the Cactaceae family, originating from America and distributed from Florida to Brazil. Vietnam was the first country to trade this fruit globally before it entered Indonesia around 2000 via import from Thailand. Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants and is believed to help control blood sugar and maintain heart health.

Grows ideally in lowlands (0-350 m above sea level), rainfall 500-2,000 mm/year. Ideal air temperature between 26-36°C and humidity between 70-90%. Prefers sandy soil with 20-30% organic matter, soil pH 5.5-6.5.

• Epiphytic roots attach to or climb on other plants.
• Stem triangular shaped (cross-section), elongating up to a maximum of 9 m, green in color, thorny.
• Flowers located on stem tendrils, trumpet-shaped and white in color.
• Fruit finely fibrous flesh, red in color, many small black seeds, soft texture, sweet and slightly sour taste.

Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (stem/tendril cuttings) by cutting old (at least 2 years old) and productive tendrils. Tendrils are cut 30-35 cm long, the lower tip of the cutting is made tapered. Cuttings are air-dried for 2–3 weeks to dry the cut wound and then planted directly in the field.

Flavonoids, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, phenolics, betacyanins, polyphenols, carotene, phosphorus, phytoalbumin.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, antitumor, addresses high blood pressure, smooths skin, improves eyesight, improves heart function.

Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (stem/tendril cuttings) by cutting old (at least 2 years old) and productive tendrils. Tendrils are cut 30-35 cm long, the lower tip of the cutting is made tapered. Cuttings are air-dried for 2–3 weeks to dry the cut wound and then planted directly in the field.