Fruit

Hylocereus

S tier

Hylocereus (now often reclassified under Selenicereus in strict botany, still Hylocereus in trade) is the climbing cactus genus behind commercial dragon fruit—large oval fruits with neon bracts, white or red pulp, and speckled black seeds. Flavour is mild-refreshing, kiwi-pear adjacent, more about crunch and colour than intense perfume in many export lots. Night-blooming flowers need pollination care for set. Chill and scoop or slice into stars for fruit platters. Overripe fruit ferments fast; underripe is bland and firm. Greenhouse and tropical trellis culture supply global markets. Yellow-skinned relatives differ in sweetness. Pat dry cut surfaces for clean plating.