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 the L.A. Woman Dragon Fruit, a delightful variety that promises to bring both beauty and flavour to your garden. This stunning white flesh pitaya is renowned for its tangy taste and watermelon-like texture, making it a refreshing treat. The flesh, complemented by small edible seeds, offers a unique and sweet flavour that is perfect for eating raw, especially when chilled. The L.A. Woman is a standout in any garden due to its striking colour contrast between the pink skin and white flesh, which is one of the key features that make it so beloved by both growers and consumers worldwide.

The L.A. Woman Dragon Fruit plant is a climbing cactus vine, ideally suited for dry areas where it thrives. Because of its epiphytic nature, it grows best in soil rich in organic materials that can hold moisture while still offering excellent drainage. As the plant matures, it will need support, such as a trellis or stake, to climb and spread as it grows. The L.A. Woman is easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for both first-time and seasoned growers. One of the key advantages of this variety is that it is self-pollinating, meaning it will set fruit without the need for hand pollination, though thinning out buds is recommended for larger fruit.

This variety produces large, white flowers that can measure up to 30cm or more in diameter. These ornate blooms appear in November to December and bloom for just one night, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. These short-lived, beautiful flowers are a magical sight and a delightful addition to your garden. Dragon fruit plants, including the L.A. Woman, are closely related to the orchid cacti, known for their large and impressive flowers.

The L.A. Woman produces egg-shaped pink fruit once pollination occurs, and the dramatic contrast between the bright pink skin and the white flesh makes it not only delicious but also visually striking. The fruit weighs approximately 400g and is known for its tangy, sweet flavour, making it perfect for raw consumption, as well as for use in juices, smoothies, or even paired with mango in a tropical sorbet. This fruit is not only a treat for your taste buds but also offers several health benefits. Dragon fruits like the L.A. Woman are known for improving eyesight and preventing hypertension. Additionally, the seeds are believed to help in controlling blood glucose levels in people with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycaemic conditions (a form of diabetes), as well as aiding in the treatment of stomach and endocrine problems.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow variety of dragon fruit, the L.A. Woman is an excellent choice. Its self-pollinating nature, large, fragrant flowers, and tangy, sweet fruit make it a must-have for any garden. Whether you’re a first-time grower or an experienced gardener, this variety will bring beauty, flavour, and health benefits to your home. Start growing your own L.A. Woman Dragon Fruit today and enjoy the magic of this stunning and delicious plant.