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Hylocereus species identification guide

*Growth Habit: Climbing vine growth habit, often epiphytic; produces aerial roots. Joints angled, winged, ribbed or fluted.

*Ribs: Usually 3 ribs, but 4 and 5 are possible.

*Areole: Areoles have a tuft of felt or short spines usually.

*Flower: Large, nocturnal, white, funnelform flowers up p to 30cm. Stamens numerous in 2 series, as lond as or shorter than the style. Style is cylindrical and fairly stout and thick.

*Fruit:

*Other (reproductive): Ovary and fruit have large scales (appear like leaves). No spines, felt or wool.

*Other: Axils not spiny, hairy or bristly.

Hylocereus polyrhizus

Plant	Flower	Fruit	Areole	Seeds	Other

Hylocereus purpusii

Plant	Flower	Fruit	Areole	Seeds	Other

Hylocereus undatus

* Long stem able to climb with aerial roots. Able to climb up trees, poles, walls and other such structures.

* Usually 3 ribs, 3-5 possible. Ribsa are broad, thin and green.

* Areoles 3-4 cm apart, spines are small and often only 1-3

* Flowers are white, nocturnal up to 30cm long.

* Outer perianth-segments yellowish green, turned back. Inner perianth-segments white, erect, broad with apiculate tips.

* Filaments are skinny, creamy colour.

* Stigma lobes up to 28 [1]

Plant	Flower	Fruit	Areole	Seeds	Other
		Purple fruit

[1] The Cactaceae states "stigma lobes as many as 24", we have seen as many as 28. Photo upon request.