Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.): a short review

Hylocereus is a native American cactus of varied habits and widely distributed from the Florida coast to Brazil. The fruit is known under several commercial and native names, but “pitahaya” or “pitaya” prevails all around. The genus contains 14 species and it is part of the subtropical and tropical American rainforests. It is common to find Hylocereus in family gardens in Central America, where it is traditionally used as food and medicine. Commercial plantations are distributed around the world due to its agronomic, industrial and economic importance. Hylocereus species cultivated around the world are mainly H. undatus, H. monacanthus and H. megalanthus. Research related to Hylocereus has increased significantly in the fields of taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, medicine, agronomy and industry, but there is still too much to do. This document describes part of Hylocereus history, technological advances and it provides perspectives of research and usage of this emerging crop.