Common Name: Pitahaya

General Information

Pitahaya is an evergreen, succulent, perennial plant, often very large and scandent[]. The main stems are woody with thin and flexible side branches[].
The branches are commonly used locally for healing fractured bones[]. The plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Costa Rica to Guatemala

Habitat

On rocks or trees in moist or wet forest at elevations up to 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, it requires a mean minimum temperature no lower than 12°c and is not frost tolerant.
Prefers a position in light shade. Requires a moist but well-drained soil.
The flowers only open of a night time[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

It is a common practice in Guatemala to bind the tough, wide stems around fractures. They act as efficient bandages, hold the broken parts in place, and are popularly believed to aid in healing them[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings

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