Description

Baby Cerrado

Baby Cerrado is a Selenicereus setaceus variety native to South America, and this is a subspecies of the Brazilian Cerrados. This variety grows naturally on rocky mountains, old tree trunks, and sand soils of high fields in Minas Gerais, Bahia, Goiás, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso, and Tocantins states. Spicy Exotics collected this variety for a grower in South America.

Growth

The growth of Baby Cerrado is a darker green color with three very small, sturdy spins. Once established, plant growth can be aggressive.

Flower

Flower buds emerge as hairy buttons. As the buds continue to grow, the hairs are replaced with spins at the base of the flower. Flowers, along with the flower stigma, were small compared to other Hylocereus species. To set fruit, flowers need another pollinator as this variety is Self-Sterile. Once the sunsets, the flowers begin to open and fade away at sunrise. While open, the aroma from the pollen fills the air with a sweet smell.

Fruit

While the fruit develops, spins become bright pink, contrasting with radiant green skin. Once the fruit is ready to harvest, the skin is maroon with loosely connected spins that are quickly brushed off. Fruits were tested with an average brix of 18, and years two and three were even better with a 20+ brix rating. The fruit taste is sweet with hints of tropical flavors. One of the top Dragon Fruits Spicy Exotics grows.