Is dragon fruit the fruit of a cactus? The truth explained in one go

Cactus is a plant of the genus Opuntia in the family Cactaceae, also known as prickly pear, Guanyin palm, Bawang, fire palm, etc. It is mainly distributed in the arid regions of the southern and southeastern coastal areas of the United States, the West Indies, Bermuda, northern South America, southern China, and Southeast Asia and other tropical and subtropical regions. Let's take a look below at whether dragon fruit is the fruit of a cactus!

Is dragon fruit the fruit of a cactus?

Dragon fruit is not the fruit of a cactus. Dragon fruit is a perennial climbing succulent plant of the genus Hylocereus in the family Cactaceae. It contains plant albumin and anthocyanins that are rare in ordinary plants, and is also rich in vitamins and water-soluble dietary fiber. It is named dragon fruit because its outer fleshy scales resemble the outer scales of a dragon. Cactus, on the other hand, is a clumping succulent shrub of the genus Opuntia in the family Cactaceae, with very small fruits and hard spines on the outer skin. Dragon fruit and cactus are close relatives, both belonging to the family Cactaceae, so it is not surprising at all that the dragon fruit plant looks like a cactus.

Does cactus bear fruit?

The fruit of the cactus is called cactus fruit, which is the fruit of plants in the genus Opuntia. The flesh contains rich trace elements, protein, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, pectin, etc. The ancient book "Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine" records that cactus fruit has the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation, removing dampness and reducing heat, and promoting tissue regeneration. Native Americans and Mexicans use cactus fruit as food and medicine.

Can cactus fruit be eaten?

Cactus fruit can be eaten. The taste of cactus fruit is relatively refreshing, but not every kind can be eaten. Everyone should check carefully whether it is an edible cactus, and do not eat it randomly. Moreover, cactus fruit has great effects. It can promote the expansion and regeneration of normal human fibroblasts. Whether for internal body healing or epidermal wound healing, it is of great significance. The fruit extract has the magical effects of accelerating wound healing, making the skin soft and delicate, preventing dry skin, and reducing wrinkles, because cactus fruit is rich in antioxidants, riboflavin, and thiamine (vitamin B1), and is an excellent nutritional component for moisturizing and maintaining the skin, making it an indispensable plant.