Family: Cactaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Selenicereus undatus, commonly known as dragon fruit or night-blooming cereus, is a climbing cactus native to Mexico through Honduras. It has long, three-sided, fleshy stems that sprawl or climb over structures, producing large, fragrant white flowers that open at night and are pollinated by moths and bats. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its striking pink or red fruit with sweet, speckled flesh, which is eaten fresh or used in juices and desserts. In Hawaiʻi, dragon fruit is grown commercially and in home gardens, valued for both its edible fruit and ornamental appeal.

Risks & Threats
This species is naturalized across the Hawaiian Islands, including Niʻihau (and Lehua), Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Despite its agricultural value, Selenicereus undatus possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. It can spread vegetatively from stem fragments and establish in dry to mesic environments, where it may climb over and smother native vegetation, alter habitat structure, and compete for space and resources. Its ability to reproduce and persist with minimal care increases the risk of escape from cultivation. Although high risk, it is widely cultivated for food, so precautions—such as proper disposal of cuttings and careful site management—should be taken to prevent unintentional spread and further ecological impact.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Environmentally adaptable
  
• Naturalized
  
• Environmental weed in Australia and Florida
  
• Areoles with 1-4 conical spines
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Some varieties may be self-compatible
  
• Spreads vegetatively
  
• Fruits, when produced, may be consumed, and seeds dispersed by birds
  
• Tolerates cuttings, and fragments may reroot

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Requires specialized pollinators (bats and hawk moths)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Reaches maturity after several years
  
• Limited fruit and seed production in the wild