Family: Cactaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Selenicereus megalanthus, commonly known as yellow dragon fruit or yellow pitahaya, is a climbing cactus native to northwestern South America, ranging from Colombia to Peru. It produces long, vine-like stems with aerial roots that allow it to climb trees, trellises, and other structures. The plant is best known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night and its bright yellow fruits with white, sweet flesh. Yellow dragon fruit is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a fruit crop and is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its unusual appearance and attractive flowers.

Risks & Threats
Although Selenicereus megalanthus is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. Like other dragon fruit species, it can spread vegetatively from stem fragments and may be dispersed by animals that consume its fruits. Its climbing growth habit allows it to overgrow surrounding vegetation and potentially alter natural habitats if it escapes cultivation. While documented impacts are limited, ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could become invasive and negatively affect Hawaii’s ecosystems. Caution is recommended when planting and managing this species to help prevent unintended spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Spiny fruit
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Can root from vegetative fragments
  
• Fruits may be consumed, and seeds dispersed by birds

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization, invasiveness, or negative impacts have been documented
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Requires specialized pollinators (bats and hawk moths)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Reaches maturity after several years