Dragon Fruitand

Palawan Cherry

ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUREAUDepartment 01 l:nvironrnent and Natural Resources

College 4031 Laguna

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FOREWC)"D

Nowadays, natural health and alternative medicines aret'i"~oming widespread methods of preventing and treatinq i'inesses,due to the escalating prices of the prescription drugs and theirundesirable chemical side effects Because of this awareness, moreand more people are turning to natural health solutions.

One of the fruits that IS becoming popular due to the variousnutritional value and health benefits that can be derived from it. isthe Pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit. It is also fondly calledas "Moonflower" or "Queen of the night" because it blooms only atnighttime as !t exudes rich fragrance. Dragon fruit is among the mostnutritious and wonderful exotic fruit. In some countries and cultures, itis called a "gift of the nature", because of its dazzling flowers, intenseshape and color, sweet tasting pulp, delicate aroma and most of all,its enormous nutritional value. Owing to its numerous superb qualities.'his fruit has also excellent money making possibilities.

The information contained herein can provide valuable guide inthe propagation and utilization of this fruit tree. It is also a potential cropfor agroforestry which is a component of the reforestation program ofthe government.

This issue of RISE also features Palawan cherry, a tree whichis widespread not only in Palawan but almost all over the Philippines.It is often planted in parks and gardens and also at the edge of theforests. The tree is probably the nearest among local species thathas a resemblance to cherry blossoms of Japan. It is fondly called"8alayong" in Palawan Local folks celebrate a festival named after itsseason of bloom

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PORTIA t.tA(f:j, Ph.D.Ole-Director. EROB

RISE

SPECIES PAGE

Dragon Fruit

DescriptionUsesDistributionSite RequirementsPhenologyPropagationPlantation EstablishmentPests and DiseasesReferences

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DescriptionUsesDistributionSeed Technology & PropagationPlantation EstablishmentReferences

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Dragon Fruit(Hylocereus)Palawan Cherry

Compiled by

MARITA W. BRIZ

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Common Name Dragon Fruit

the fruit is covered by green-tipped with bright pink to redoverlapping scales. It has thin rind which encloses a large massof sweetly flavored white or red pulp with small black seeds.

RootsLocal name Pitaya or Pitahaya, Sweet pitaya

Genus HylocereusThe primary roots form patches or cloak that can reach

30 centimeters in diameter and 2 to 10 inches in depth.

Scientific Name Stem

There are three (3) famous cultivars or types of SweetPitaya:

/-Iylocereus undatus - red pitaya, which has red skinand white pulp. This is the most commonlyseen.

It has green, triangular (3-sided, sometimes 4 or 5sided), fleshy jointed, many-branched stems which are

succulent and contains large amount of water that enables theplant to adapt to places with dry climatic condition. Each stemsegment is composed of three wings that are wavy and withscalloped margins. Each trough of wings contains one to threeshort spines. The stem can reach 20 ft long.

Hylocereus costaricensis - (Costa Rica Pitaya oftenlycalled H. po/yrhizus, which has red skin and redpulp.

Flower

Family Name : Cactaceae

Flowers are beautiful ornate which bloom at night andpossess a very rich fragrance, thus, it is known as "Moonflower" or "Queen of the night". The flowers usually wilt by themorning so that pollination is necessary to set fruit. The plantrelies on nocturnal pollinators like bats or moths for fertilization.The flowers are hermaphroditic. The flowers are very large, bell-shaped white (pink in other species), and measures around 14inches long (36 em) and 9 inches wide (23 em). The stamensand lobed stigmas are cream in color.

Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow pitaya formerly knownas Selenicereus megaJanthus, which has yellowskin and white pulp.

Dragon fruit trees/plants are fast growing vine-like,terrestrial, epiphytic cactus, with fleshy stems that can reach aheight of up to twenty feet. (Dragon fruits are among the mostattractive exotic fruits). It is called as dragon fruit because

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Fire dragon fruit, strawberry pear and nanettika fruit

Description

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used to flavor drinks and pastries. The fruit is also processedinto jam, puree, cordial salad, sherbets, fruit pizza andbeverages. Flower buds are also eaten when cooked.

FruitPhoto from: en.wikipedia.orglwikifPitaya

The fruit is afleshy berry. It is oblongand resembles a biggrenade usually red incolor weighing around400 to 600 grams. Thefruit is sweet and juicy andthe taste is a combination ofpear, kiwi and watermelon.

,.--_. ---~Nutritional value of a typical dragon fruit

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Seeds

Cross-section of a ripe dragon fruitHylocereus undatus

The seeds are very small, numerous and blackcovered by mucilage. They are embedded within the pulp.

UsesDistribution

Dragon fruit has various health benefits because itis rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It is also loaded withphotoalbumins which are vital and known worldwide for theantioxidants they possess that help in the prevention of theformation of free radical that cause cancer. It is also lowin calories and high in vitamin C. It enhances metabolism,improves memory and digestion as well as improve the immunesystem. It also aids in maintaining clear vision, reduces fat, badcholesterol, hypertension and blood glucose. It is recommendedfor people with type 2 diabetes who would like to control theirblood glucose level. It is good for the liver, strengthens bonesand good for teeth development. It helps improve appetite aswell as moisturizes and smoothens skin.

FiberFatAshesCaroteneWaterPhosphorusAscorbic AcidProteinRiboflavinCalciumNiacinIron

0.9g0.61g0.68g0.012g83.0g36.1mg9.0mg0.229g0.045mg8.8g0.430mg0.65mg

The plant is native to Mexico, Central America, andSouth America. Currently, the genus is also cultivated in EastAsian and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesiaparticularly in Eastern Java, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan,Thailand and Vietnam, They can also be found in Hawaii, Israel,Palestine, Okinawa, northern Australia and southern China, SriLanka and Bangladesh.

Site Requirements

Dragon fruit thrives best in dry, tropical or subtropicalclimates with an annual rainfall of 20-50 inches per year.

The fruits are nutritious, instantly refreshing and low incalories. The fruit is popularly eaten when chilled. It can also be

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The species can adapt to a wide range of soils providedthey are well-drained. This plant grows best in organic soil

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that is mixed with sand under a full sunlight to partial shadeenvi ronment. Let the seeds dry onto the tissue that it can be moved without

falling the seeds.In general, for best growth and fruit production, dragon

fruit prefers to be planted in full or almost full sunlight. Theyneed very light shade.

Phenology

3. On top of the planting tray or bed filled with moist sterilepotting media, lay the seed-speckled tissue, and sprinkle it withnot more than 'Y.! inch thick of soil. Water the soil lightly andkeep the seeds moist at all times to enhance germination; or

Propagation

Fill the 3-inch square pot with sterile, non-acidic seed-starting compost. Sow two seeds in each pot then scatter a thinlayer of compost to barely cover the seeds. Then, spray thecompost in each pot with water to keep the top half-inch moist.Each pot should be placed on a propagation mat. Cover thepots with plastic wrap to maintain warmth and moisture.

From flower bud formation, it takes a month before a fruitcould be harvested. The flowers open 10 days after flower budformation. It will take 10 days for fruit development and thenanother 10 days for fruit to mature.

Dragon fruit can be propagated by seeds. However, it ismore advisable to grow it from stem cuttings. Plants from seedsmay take around seven to eight years before it will start to bearfruits.

4. Keep the trays with the seeds or pots with the seeds inplace with an ambient temperature of 18 to 25°C. Germinationwill take place two to three weeks after sowing.

A.Seed Technology

How to grow dragon fruit from seeds:

5. When the plants outgrow their original container, theplants can be transplanted into larger ones. Hardening of stemto its mature plant form will take place in three years. Keep thesoil lightly and evenly moist at all times but not consistently wet.

1. To harvest mature seeds from the ripe dragon fruit,scoop out the interior flesh using a very fine mesh strainer. Byusing a spoon or fingers, press the flesh away from the seeds,intermittently rinsing the strainer underwater to separate theseeds from the flesh, then shake off the excess water afterrinsing.

6. When the dragon fruit reaches at least 3 inches inheight, apply a very light dose of palm special fertilizer withmicro-nutrients and a guaranteed analysis of 8-3-9 or 8-4-12 tothe soil surface around the plant. Use 1/8 lb. of fertilizer thenwater well. After the first year of growth, increase the fertilizerapplication to 1/4 lb.

2. Tap the mass of seeds out onto a glass or ceramic plate.On a flat work surface, roll out a line of double-ply tissue. Then,pick up the single small seeds and deposit them onto the toiletpaper in even rows with 1/8 inch or so between the seeds.

B. How to grow dragon fruit from cuttings

The easiest propagation method for dragon fruit is bycuttings. Cuttings should be taken when the plant is still activelygrowing or from a branch that is more than one year old. Cut

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the branch off where it joins the main stem or meets up withyear-old tissue. Then, cuttings should be placed in a shady areafor several days to allow a callus to develop on the cut end.

Fertilization

Plant the cuttings in plastic bags for two months.Then, transfer in an open field with a spacing of 3 m betweenposts and 2-4 m between rows. Cement posts can be usedas support. In each post three cuttings can be planted. Theconcrete posts measure 4" x 4" x 7'. The post is placed a feetabove the ground.

To have high yield, at planting time, apply chickenmanure mixed with rice hull and complete fertilizer (14-14-14).Then, once a month apply granular complete fertilizer in soiland spray the plant with complete foliar fertilizer. Then, everytwo to three months, composts can be added to the soil. Toincrease yield, an organic fertilizer can be applied twice a year.

Cuttings should then be put in the potting soil with thecut end down. After a few weeks roots will be formed.

It was also reported that, a combination of organic andcomplete fertilizer (14-14-14) and urea (46-0-0) can be appliedideally every three months. A combination of 2 kg of organic,25 g of urea and 75g of complete fertilizer can be used.

Plant the dragon fruit in a rich, well-drained soil in apartial shade. It is necessary to support the plant with a stakestarting from outplanting, then trellis or metal frames can beused as the plant grows. Watering should be done weeklybecause overwatering causes rotting of the roots. During theinitial stages, it is suggested that only one pseudo stem shouldbe allowed to grow while the secondary stems can be pruned.Once the shoots grow well, three to five secondary pseudostems could be grown in a balanced and well spread manner.

Once a year, the soil around the plant can be also top-dresses with well-aged livestock manure or compost to enrichthe soil. Put 1-2 inch thick blanket around the plant whilekeeping the organics away from the trunk. The amount ofcompost and/or manure should be increased as it matures.

Plantation Establishment

How to Plant a Dragon Fruit:

rFruit Production and Fruiting cycle

Silvicultural treatments

One can aid pollination and can be done by collectingthe pollen from the anthers using a soft brush then deposit themon the stigma (star-shaped), which protrudes out of the petals.The flowers usually open 10 days after flower bud formation,the 10 days before a fruit can be developed, and 10 days forthe fruit to mature. Harvesting of fruits can be done around30-40 days after flower bud formation.

Regular pruning is important in order to obtain an open,manageable and productive umbrella shape canopy. It alsoinduces new shoots for the next cropping season. It is alsonecessary to conduct pruning after harvest.

It is a high-yielding crop. The plant usually takes aroundtwo years to bear fruits. At two years old, the potential yield perhectare is 30 tons and at five years old, the yield can go up to100 tons per hectare. In full production, the plant can have 4-6fruiting cycles annually. The lifespan of dragon fruit is around 20years.

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References

However, when the fruits become over-mature, the fruitstend to crack affecting its marketability.

Pests and Diseases

Cavite State University. 2008. Introducing the Dragon Fruit.Research Center, Cavite State University. Agriculturemagazine XII (8): 24-25.

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris can cause thestem to rot while Dothiorel/a fungus can cause brown spots onthe fruit. Overwatering the plant or excessive rainfall can causethe flowers to drop and fruit to rot. Dragon fruit is a hardy plant,hence only minor pests are observed.

Dela Cruz, Rita T. 2009. Improved Production Technologyfor Dragon Fruit. Agriculture Magazine XII (7):46-47July 2009.

Sarian, Zac 8.2001. Meet the Dragon Fruit. AgriCUltureMagazine V(9):29 September 2001.

Pablico, Sosimo, Ma. 2009. /locos Norte Dragon Fruit FarmNow Planting Material Source: Agriculture Magazine XIII(1): 10-13 January 2009.

blog. planoboaviagem.com. brlwp-includes/css/dragon-fruit. .. _

http://www.ehow.com/facts _7198249 _propagation-dragon-fruittrees. html#ixzzOOjiAxCsa

http://www.ehow.com/how _ 12141097 _germinate-dragon-fruit.html#ixzz2qcVXnuDI

http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php ?tit!e=Pitaya&oldid=514600066

www.agripinoy.netlgrowing-pitaya-dragonfruit.html

www.buzzle.com/articles/dragon-fruit-tree.html

www.dragonfruitlfoodlywise.com

www.tradewindsfruit.com/dragonfruit.htm

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An establish/set up of dragon fruit plantationin Dragon Wellness Farm.

Palawan Cherry(Cassia x' Palawan Cherry )

Compiled by

ROGELIO M. CALINAWANDragon fruit plantation

Ripe dragon fruit

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Distribution

Scientific Name Cassia x' Palawan cherry

There are lots of balayong in Palawan, which is whysome botanists insist that it is native to the island. In Manila,Palawan cherries are planted within the area of the ManilaSeedling Bank Foundation in Quezon City. Some of these treescan be seen at the Malacariang Palace grounds facing thePasig river.

Common Name Palawan Cherry

Local name Balayong

Family Name Caesalpiniaceae Palawan cherry is fondly called balayong by the peopleof Palawan and they have a festival named after it to celebrateits season of bloom between March and April.Description

The Palawan Cherry is a small to medium sized tree. Itcan grow up to a height of 15 m or taller, and has a diameter ofabout 50 em. Its leaves are pinnate, about 40 cm long and 3.5cm wide. It is green in color and smooth on both surfaces. Theflowering branches are usually drooping and are abo~t 30 cmlong. The light pink flowers are arranged in loose panicles andabout 5 cm across. The fruit is cylindrical, hard, smooth, about30 cm long and turns black upon maturity.

Seed Technology and Propagation

Uses

Palawan Cherry or Balayong is primarily propagatedthrough seeds. To enhance germination, seeds can bepretreated with concentrated sulfuric acid for 15 minutes thenwash in running water to remove trace of acid. Sow the seedsin trays or in seed bed. Seeds started to germinate 3-4 daysafter sowing. Prick the germinants 2 weeks after germinationand transplant the seedlings in 3x3x7 plastic bags. Theseedlings are hardened in the nursery and watered every otherday.It was widely used for building furniture during the

Spanish colonial period. The tree's timber is similar to that ofnarra acacia and ipil. It is hard but easy to work with. Balayongwoodis sometimes used as structural members and flooring inhouses built during the Spanish era. Antique furnitures made ofbalayong command high prices as they tend to b~ sturdy a.ndare rarely infested with termites. Palawan cherry IS now bemgplanted as an ornamental tree.

Plantation Establishment

Balayong needs low maintenance. Young plants needextra phosphorous to encourage good root development.Spacing should be 4-6 feet apart. The soil can be normal tomoist. Nitrogenous fertilizers like ammonium sulfate or ureaenhance its growth. When the seedlings reach a foot or.1.5feet in height, they can be replanted in a field or garden. TriGPalawan Cherry requires full exposure to sunlight.

References

A. pictorial Guide to the Noteworthy Plants of Palawan (PalawanTropical Forestry Protection Programme 2002). p. 57.Domingo A. Madulid

Dayan, M. DP. 2010. Seed Technology of Indigenous TreeSpecies. ERDB Annual Report. ERDB, College, Laguna

Manila Bulletin, June 29, 2011. (The Resplendent PalawanCherry by Norby Bautista)

http://blackshama. blogspot. com/20 11/04/hanami-everything-is-transient-and. html

http://blog.asiahotels .com/best -hotels-to-see-cherry -blossorns-in-asia/img-0194

http://www.pcsd.ph/photo-gallery/flora/palawancherry.htm

http·/lwww.pinoyboats.orgllink.html

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The Palawan cherry is the most popular flowering tree inPalawan.

The flowers of Palawan cherry in full bloom.

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Palawan cherries are mostly found in parks and gardens.

RISE

RISEVol. 25 NO.1Jan - Apr. 2013

Research Information Series on Ecosystems, popularlyknown as RISE, is a compilation of the most recentand relevant information. to provide technical supportto major programs of the DENR particularly onreforestation, rehabilitation of degraded areas, uplanddevelopment and coastal zone management.

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The official citation is :Ecosystems Research and Development BureauDragon Fruit and Palawan CherryVol. 25 Nos. 1, January - April 2013Research Information Series on EcosystemsERDB, College 4031, Laguna

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