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Hylocereus undulatus 'Condor' (Condor Dragonfruit) - A climbing cacti that requires some form of support, has aerial roots, and can climb to 30 feet or more with 1- to 2-inch-thick three-sided stems that are notched and have very of any spines along the ribs. This plant grows more like a tropical vine. From late spring into fall appear the fragrant large (10-12 inches long) white bell-shaped flowers that appear at dusk and last for only one night. From these flowers come the large oval-shaped fruit that can weigh as much as a pound and a half with skin that is at first light green with pink hues that darken to pinkish red as the fruit becomes ripe the interior pulp takes on a dark purplish magenta color with many edible tiny dark seeds. The flavor of this variety is described as sweet with a little acid for balance and has crisp berry flavors and receives rave reviews from all who taste it. For many varieties it is advised that the flowers be hand pollinated in the evening, but 'Condor' is listed as "self pollinating".
Plant in a well-drained soil in full coastal sun but protected inland. Irrigate only a small amount (shallowly) but regularly in summer, including areas where aerial roots may be attached. This plant requires a near frost free climate to perpetuate, flower and fruit so it is not for everyone, but successful fruiting has been achieved in warm locations here in the Santa Barbara area and further to the south.
This variety is often listed as a selection of Hylocereus guatemalensis, however that species is considered to be synonymous with Hylocereus undatus. We grow another Hylocereus undatus variety we call 'Joyce Greenlund' that has light pink skin and white flesh as well as a Hylocereus costaricensis variety we call 'Kip's Red' that has red skin and red flesh. Hylocereus undatus is thought to have originated from the tropical rainforests of Central and northern South America, but its native range in unknown since being spread worldwide for its fruit and ornamental plant. The fruit of both varieties is delicious and nutritious as it is rich with antioxidants, dietary fiber and a large amount of vitamin C. One can chill the ripe fruit, remove the skin and cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve it as a dessert or add it to blended fruit drinks or salads. This plant is often named for its fruit and called Red Dragonfruit, Red Pitaya (or Pitahaya) Fruit or Strawberry Pear and also by the names Belle of the Night and Conderella Plant. Our stock plant came from Edgar Valdivia from Simi Valley, California who shared fruit and cuttings of various varieties when he spoke to the Santa Barbara Cactus and Succulent Society in 2014. Valdivia was involved in naming variety that was selected by Dario Grossberger of Condor Growers in Camarillo, California. It is noted to be fairly close in look and taste to the variety 'American Beauty'.
Information displayed on this page about Hylocereus undatus 'Condor is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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