Selenicereus megalanthus (Yellow Dragon Fruit)

This plant is a climbing cactus native from Colombia to Peru. Its fleshy, jointed stems develop aerial roots that cling to trees or other supports and can reach about 20 feet long. Large white flowers open at night. The edible, oval fruits ripen yellow and have a knobby rind. Inside, sweet, juicy white pulp surrounds numerous small black seeds. Although the flowers can self-pollinate, hand-pollination can improve fruit size and sweetness. It is cultivated commercially for its fruit, known as yellow pitaya. Photographed in Colombia.