Selection of fruits for continuous propagation is one important issue a fruit grower has to consider.  Some varieties can be beneficial, and other varieties can be a disappointment.

When we first settled in the farm my wife requested me to plant and propagate all our favorite fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers.  At that time, we were just hungry to plant for propagation and unmindful whether the seeds sown into the ground will grow or not.

With time, enduring patient, careful observation and special attention, all the 32 varieties of fruit seedlings we sowed are flourishing well.

One fruit variety that is extremely beautiful and excites our taste is the Dragon Fruit.

Dragon fruit is a cactus vine-like tree but without leaves.  The plant has large white flowers called “Moonflower.”

Dragon fruit is propagated by seed or by cutting, and grown along cement poles of about 2 meters tall with vehicle tyres or woods to support the vines.  We tried to grow some Dragon fruits along the trunks of Palm trees.  Triumphantly the plant vines with its aerial roots firmly cling in the trunk and grow well.  Dragon fruit grows in any well-drained soils.

Dragon fruit likes sunshine; the fruits thrive throughout the year (can have up to 6 fruiting rounds per year).  The colour of the fruit is bright pink or red; the skin has several soft scales with greenish color and weighs from 300 to 700 grams.  The color and shape of the fruit is similar to a dragon's eye.  The flesh inside is white with many small black seeds and tasty that is slightly similar to Kiwi.  It is usually eaten fresh.

Dragon fruit have some health benefits that include preventing memory loss, anti cancer activity, control of blood glucose level in diabetes, and a good source of anti-oxidants.  The antioxidants in dragon fruit are numerous and varied.

Lastly, Dragon fruit boosts our immune system; it is rich in vitamin C and fibers that will help us to keep an overall healthy body.