I chose to investigate about this plant because of its alleged Portuguese name "Flor da Lua" (Moon Flower in a literal translation). Little did I know that it would attract me even more because of another name, this time of its fruit, the Dragonfruit or Pitahaya! Other names for this plant are Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night or Conderella Plant.
The Dragonfruit name comes from the aspect of the fruit (duh), which has some scales, which reminded people of dragon scales. It's actually a very pretty fruit! And this is the most cultivated Cactaceae in its genus (according to Wikipedia), though its native origin is still unknown.
The flower is described as big, very fragrant and usually blooms at night. The fruit is rich in vitamins and phosphorus, helping in digestion. It can also help to reduce cholesterol, to regulate diabetes and gastritis, among other effects.
The flower is described as big, very fragrant and usually blooms at night. The fruit is rich in vitamins and phosphorus, helping in digestion. It can also help to reduce cholesterol, to regulate diabetes and gastritis, among other effects.
~Ally