Description

Dragon fruit or pitaya is the common name for the fruits of a group of plants belonging to the genus Cacti . Madhupitaya of the genus Hylocerus is the most important among them. Dragon fruit is a fruit that contains as many nutrients as it looks. They are found in many colors like red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit. This fruit is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. So eating dragon fruit in moderation is very good for health. These sprawling plants are native to Mexico and Central and South America. Now they are found in South Asian countries like India, China , Vietnam , Malaysia , Indonesia , Philippines and South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka . They are known by many local names. The main characteristic of dragon fruit is that it grows well in infertile but well-drained soil, a tropical climate like that of Kerala is ideal. They are being cultivated successfully in many places in Kerala.