Description

KIBC

KIBC Dragon Fruit is a hybrid cross of Hylocereus undatus and some other unknown Hylocereus species. This variety was collected from Kauai, Hawaii, on the road side shown here. Since it was collected on the side of the road, we expected this variety to be a white-fleshed Hylocereus undatus species, but we were pretty surprised to see a bright magenta flesh hybrid. What a find!

Growth

KIBC’s plant growth is typical of undatus growth in size and color. The stems are segmented and three-sided with small thorns. This variety does an exceptional job handling the summer heat when grown in full sun. Pruning is often necessary, as growth segments can get large and weigh down the plant. 

Flowers

Flower buds and flowers of this variety are similar to other Hylocereus undatus hybrids. Buds emerge pointed, and as they get larger, the bracts begin to peel back with highlighted edges with a red tint. Flower bud emerging to flower open took 19 days. This variety has extra large flowers and is at its largest when fully open four hours after sunset, then close a couple hours after sunrise. The flower stigma is also large and has split lobes. The flowers have lots of loose pollen that does not clump up. KIBC will set fruit with pollen from other Red, White, and Pink flesh fruit varieties. Most purple varieties may work, but we recommend avoiding other purple-fleshed Hylocereus undatus hybrids.

Fruit

The fruits of this variety are oval and weigh one to one and a half pounds. The flesh is light but bright magenta, and the skin is pink with green bracts. From flowers close to fruit took 27 days in Louisiana. The flesh is juicy with a nice texture and a brix score of 18 to 19. We find the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity in this variety, with sweet and tangy flavors. For great ways to use this variety, check out our Pinterest page.

KIBC closing thoughts

More testing will be done in 2025 on this variety to determine whether it is Self-fertile or Sterile. This is a good-growing plant that produces plenty of tasty fruits and extra-large flowers. We like it a lot.