The genus Hylocereus is a captivating group of cacti known for their strikingly beautiful and delicious fruits, commonly referred to as dragon fruits or pitayas. Native to the Americas, these plants are unique for their vibrant flowers, which bloom overnight, and their sprawling, climbing vines that thrive in warm, dry climates. Hylocereus species, including the popular Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus guatemalensis, produce fruits that are not only a feast for the eyes with their bright, colourful skin but also a treat for the taste buds, offering a mildly sweet, refreshing flavour. Known for their resilience and minimal care requirements, Hylocereus cacti are both a gardener’s delight and a tropical fruit lover’s dream.

Introducing Asunta 3 Dragon Fruit, a rare unique hybrid variety that combines Hylocereus stenopterus and Hylocereus guatemalensis. This exciting variety is the third clone from the Asunta series, with its purple flesh being a standout feature. The Asunta 3 plant is an aggressive grower, thriving in dry climates and producing fruits that mature to a beautiful peach-coloured skin with lemon-lime fins and vibrant purple flesh. The fruits weigh between 340 to 450 grams and are known for their juicy, grape-like flavour with an average brix of 19, which is expected to increase with age. These fruits are perfect for fresh consumption, chilling, or making into refreshing juices and sorbets.

The Asunta 3 Dragon Fruit plant is a climbing cactus vine that flourishes in dry areas and soil with a high level of organic matter. As a plant with an epiphytic nature, it requires well-drained, rich soils to grow at its best. The flowers of this variety are large and ornate, with inner petals that are purple, shading to light pink edges and white tips. These blooms can reach up to 30 cm in diameter and release a sweet fragrance when in bloom. The flowers open at dusk and close at sunrise, lasting only one night, which adds to their allure.

Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is closely related to the orchid cacti (Epiphyllum), known for their large, impressive flowers. Asunta 3, being a hybrid, inherits this trait and produces stunning blooms. These fruits are often eaten raw, chilled, or served as juice. Their sweet flesh is sometimes paired with mango in tropical sorbets, making for a refreshing treat. Additionally, dragon fruits are reputed to offer various health benefits, such as improving eyesight, preventing hypertension, and treating stomach and endocrine issues. The seeds are believed to help control blood glucose levels, making them particularly beneficial for those with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycemic conditions.

Asunta 3 is self-sterile, so it requires pollen from another compatible variety of dragon fruit for successful fruiting. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the Asunta 3 Dragon Fruit will make a beautiful, productive, and health-boosting addition to your collection. With its striking fruit, gorgeous flowers, and numerous health benefits, this variety is a must-have for any enthusiast.