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Description
Hylocereus Megalanthus, commonly known as the Yellow Dragon Fruit, is a tropical fruiting cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. Native to South America, this fruit is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and Australia. This exotic fruit is a favorite among health enthusiasts and foodies alike because of its unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Hylocereus |
Appearance
The Yellow Dragon Fruit is a medium-sized fruit that can weigh between 250 to 600 grams. It has a bright yellow skin with green scales and a scaly texture. The inside of the fruit is filled with white or yellowish pulp that contains small black seeds. The fruit has a sweet and slightly tangy taste with a texture similar to that of a kiwi fruit.
Care Guide
To grow a healthy Yellow Dragon Fruit, you need to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some care tips for your plant:
Water: Hylocereus Megalanthus requires frequent watering during the growing season. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Soil: The Yellow Dragon Fruit prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a cactus mix or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure or partial shade. Protect the plant from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones: The Yellow Dragon Fruit thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, the Yellow Dragon Fruit is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Diseases: Anthracnose, stem rot, and bacterial soft rot.
Habitat
The Yellow Dragon Fruit is native to the tropical forests of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It grows best in warm and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: How do you know when a Yellow Dragon Fruit is ripe?
A: A ripe Yellow Dragon Fruit will have a bright yellow skin with green scales that are slightly dry. The fruit will feel soft to the touch, and the scales will be slightly raised.
Q: How long does it take for a Yellow Dragon Fruit to grow?
A: It takes about six months for a Yellow Dragon Fruit to grow from a flower to a mature fruit.
Q: How often should you prune a Yellow Dragon Fruit?
A: Prune the plant once a year during the dormant season to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth.
Q: Can you grow a Yellow Dragon Fruit in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow a Yellow Dragon Fruit in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and has proper drainage.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Yellow Dragon Fruit:
- Hylocereus Undatus (Red Dragon Fruit)
- Hylocereus Costaricensis (Costa Rica Dragon Fruit)
- Hylocereus Polyrhizus (Philippine Dragon Fruit)
References
- “Hylocereus Megalanthus.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Sept. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylocereus_megalanthus.
- “How to Grow Yellow Dragon Fruit.” Gardening Know How, 2021, gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/dragon-fruit/growing-yellow-dragon-fruit.htm.
- “Yellow Dragon Fruit.” California Rare Fruit Growers, 2021, crfg.org/pubs/ff/dragonfruit.html.
