Description

Hylocereus setaceus

Hylocereus setaceus Dragon Fruit variety has been classified in the Hylocereus and Selenicereus genus and the species setaceus. Since we found its pollen more compatible with Hylocereus species, we used it for naming. Its natural habitats are tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, rocky shores, and sandy shores. This variety also goes by the common name Pineapple Cactus in the USA. In our growing experience at Spicy Exotics, we have found this variety and D-41 to be the same. We have grown both side by side, and the plant growth, flower anatomy, flower buds, bloom time, fruit, fruit taste, and harvest time are all similar and have no unique differences. Spicy Exotics collected this variety from a grower in California.

Growth

The plant stems are olive-colored with thick three-sided growth that has shown to be a hardy grower. Thick, tiny spines along the growth tend to fall off after the plant matures due to friction. 

Flowers

The flowers of this variety are small, common with many setaceus species. The flower has white inner petals and yellow and green outer petals tend to curl back at the peak bloom time. In Louisiana, the flower opens fully at 10 pm and begins to close as the sunrises. This is normal compared to other Hylocereus varieties. The stigma is average but significant for its flower size with straight lobes. Pollen is plentiful for its size and loose. However, we found it to be self-sterile. Hylocereus setaceus will set fruit with pollen from other White, Red, and Pink flesh fruit varieties. Some other setaceus species may work, but we recommend avoiding setaceus pollen.

Fruit

The fruit is oval with small red bract that are green on the edges. The fruit also has tiny spins on the bottom of the fruit that are easily removed once the fruit is ready for harvest. Fruits weigh about half a pound with tasty bright magenta flesh and small crunchy black seeds. Check out our Pinterest page for great uses of this variety. Tests from the refractometer show 19 to 20 brix. The longer the fruit is left on the vine, the sweeter and juicer it gets.

Hylocereus setaceus final thoughts

This variety has many upsides, including a strong grower, lots of flowers, and tasty, sweet magenta-fleshed fruit. However, self-sterile pollen prevents it from being among the best varieties.