dragonfruit Definition

A tropical, epiphytic plant (genus Hyptis) or its fleshy, pulpy, cream- or red-fleshed fruit with a scaly, bright red or yellow exocarp and numerous edible seeds in the mesocarp. The fruit is also known as pitaya or pitahaya and is native to Central America, Mexico, and northern South America but is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit is popular for its sweet taste, good nutritional value, and vibrant appearance, often used in juices, smoothies, and salads.