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 Edgars Baby Dragon Fruit, a unique rare hybrid variety derived from Hylocereus stenopterus and Hylocereus guatemalensis, with influences from Hylocereus undatus. This variety stands out for its green-skinned, pink-fleshed fruit, which weighs between 340 to 450 grams and offers a juicy, sweet flavour with a brix rating of around 19. The fruit is best enjoyed chilled, raw, or as a refreshing juice, and is also delicious when used in tropical sorbets, often paired with mango.

Edgars Baby is a climbing cactus vine that thrives in dry areas. Its epiphytic nature means it flourishes in soils rich in organic material. The plant’s growth resembles Hylocereus undatus, with three-sided stems that are bright green, covered in small spines. It has a good sun tolerance, making it ideal for warm climates. The flowers are medium-sized, with inner white petals and outer petals in shades of white, yellow, and green. They open at dusk and close at sunrise, lasting for just one night, and are highly aromatic. Due to its self-sterile nature, Edgars Baby requires pollen from another compatible variety to set fruit, such as H. undatus.

This variety’s fruit ripens in approximately 50 to 65 days after the flower blooms. The skin starts green and eventually shows red colour as it ripens, signalling that it’s ready for harvest. The flesh is pink and very sweet, especially after the plant matures. With a brix rating of 19, the flavour improves with age, offering a refreshing treat.

Dragon fruits like Edgars Baby are closely related to orchid cacti (Epiphyllum), which are known for their large, impressive flowers. These fruits are reputed for offering health benefits such as improving eyesight, reducing hypertension, and aiding in the treatment of stomach and endocrine issues. The seeds are believed to help regulate blood glucose levels, which can be beneficial for people with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycaemic conditions.

With its vibrant fruit, gorgeous flowers, and exceptional flavour, Edgars Baby Dragon Fruit is a must-have for any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a beginner, this variety will reward you with a bountiful, colourful harvest and numerous health benefits.