Origin and dispersion: Native from America, Martinique or Colombia. It is spread across several American countries in the tropics and sub-tropics, being very common in Mexico. Its a plant that was already cultivated by the Mayans. Its main name means scaly plant.

 

Climate and soil: Can be grown from 0 up to 1800 m above sea level, as long as the temperature is between 18ºC and 26ºC, with 1200 to 1500 mm of rain per year, but can also adapt to dryer climates.

 

Use: Its consumption can be from the natural fruit to juices, jams and sweets. It is also used in homemade medicine as a cardiac tonic. The seeds have a laxative effect. Besides the fruit, which has positive effect against gastritis, the stalk and the flowers are used against kidney problems.

 

Analysis show the following data for the red-pitaya: (fruits up to 0,5kG) 82% water, 0,19-0,5g of protein and 0,41g of fat. The percentage of pulp can vary from 50% to 65%. The peel has more than 4% of fibres and the seeds are rich in fatty acids - 48% and linoleic acid - 1,5%. It is still little produced and commercialised.