Selenicereus costaricensis

Selenicereus costaricensis

The Costa Rican pitahaya or Costa Rica nightblooming cactus (Selenicereus costaricensis (F.A.C.Weber) S.Arias & N.Korotkova) is a succulent species belonging to the Cactaceae family.

Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota domain,
Kingdom Plantae,
Magnoliophyta division,
Class Magnoliopsida,
Order Caryophyllales,
Family Cactaceae,
Genus Selenicereus,
S. costaricensis species.
The term is basionym:
– Cereus trigonus var. costaricensis (Britton & Rose) F.A.C.Weber.
The terms are synonyms:
– Cereus costaricensis (Britton & Rose) A.Berger;
– Cereus costaricensis F.A.C.Weber;
– Cereus trigonus subsp. costaricensis F.A.C.Weber;
– Hylocereus costaricensis (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose;
– Hylocereus microcladus Backeb..

Etymology –
The term Selenicereus comes from the Greek Σελήνη Seléne Selene, goddess of the Moon, and from Cereus (from cēreus cero: due to the columnar shape of many species of this genus) cereo: Cereus with nocturnal flowering.
The epithet costaricensis is composed of two parts: “costa” and “ricensis”. “Costa” comes from Spanish and means “coast” or “shoreline”. In this context, it refers to Costa Rica, a Central American country known for its beautiful coasts bordering the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The word “ricensis” comes from the Latin and is used to form adjectives that indicate belonging to a certain locality or region. In this case, “costaricensis” indicates the origin relative to Costa Rica.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
Selenicereus costaricensis is a plant native from Nicaragua to northern Peru, although its natural range is difficult to determine because it has been widely cultivated.
Its habitat is that of dry or deciduous coastal forests, at altitudes of 0–1,400 m above sea level.

Description –
Selenicereus costaricensis is a cacti easily recognizable by its triangular stems of great variety in size and thickness. It is a species with very variable stems in terms of size and thickness; however many more taxa or species could be included within this species.
It has decumbent stems, 1-3 (-10) cm wide, generally quite thick; carcasses or wings 3 (-4), margins smooth to slightly lobed-edged; internodes 2-3.5 x 0.1-0.2 cm; prominent areoles, showing thick, short hairs and spines (1-) 3-6 (-9) short, 2-4 mm black, hairs 2, shiny, sometimes deciduous; greenish gray epidermis, +- glaucous on fleshy material.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, 22-30 cm long, strongly scented, globose young shoots; cylindrical-ovoid, about 4 cm long, bracteoles narrow, foliaceous, numerous, imbricate, 1-2 cm long; robust receptacle, 10–15 cm, obconical throat, 6 cm wide at the orifice, foliaceous bracteoles, persistent, particularly imbricating towards the base, green with purple margins; tepals 11–15 cm, exterior greenish yellow, interior white; stigmatic lobes approx. 12, not forked; ovary covered by large overlapping bracteoles, broad to triangular, 0.5–3 cm.
Flowering is between summer and autumn.
The fruit is oval to globular in shape, bright magenta, purple flesh.
The pear-shaped seeds are black in color about 1 cm.

Cultivation –
Selenicereus costaricensis is grown commercially for its fruit, called pitaya or pitahaya, but it is also an ornamental climber with huge flowers.
Today it is grown commercially in many parts of the world, including Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, Vietnam and China. Its growing popularity has led to the spread of several hybrid varieties and colors, including varieties with white or yellow flesh.
It is an epiphytic or xerophytic plant that is easy to cultivate and grows rapidly. It needs a soil containing a lot of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. It should not be grown below 10°C in winter. It can be grown in partial shade or in full sun. Extra light in early spring will stimulate budding.
This plant flowers at night. The flowers open for one night only and release a strong scent to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as moths. After fertilization, fruits develop, which take a few months to ripen.
These plants are usually grown in gardens or greenhouses, often with vertical supports for them to climb. They can also grow on trees or other plants as epiphytic pests.
Propagation is mainly via cuttings or seed.

Customs and Traditions –
Selenicereus costaricensis is a plant native to the tropical regions of Central America with a history of use and cultivation closely linked to the ancient indigenous peoples of Central America, who have cultivated and consumed this fruit for centuries. The Maya, for example, considered this pitahaya a sacred plant and used it both as food and for ritual purposes.
It is considered a symbol of good luck and fertility and is often eaten during religious celebrations or rites. In the past, it was often given as a special gift to the gods or important guests.
After the arrival of the Spanish colonists in America, this plant was also introduced to other parts of the world. The plant adapted well to the climatic conditions of many tropical and subtropical regions and began to be cultivated in many areas of Asia and Africa.
In recent decades, it has gained popularity as an exotic and healthy fruit. Its sweet and juicy taste, together with the characteristic red pulp dotted with small black seeds, has won over many consumers. Fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, and is often eaten fresh or used to prepare juices, smoothies and desserts.
The flavor of the Costa Rican pitahaya is sweet, with a pleasant combination of acidity.
It is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is considered a health food. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestion-enhancing properties. Furthermore, its pulp contains fibers that can promote intestinal regularity.
It is a good source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in the immune system, collagen formation, iron absorption, and as an antioxidant.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is present, albeit in small quantities, which is involved in energy metabolism and eye health.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is also present, another B group vitamin that plays an essential role in cellular energy metabolism.
It contains a small amount of iron, a mineral needed for the production of hemoglobin and for the transport of oxygen in the body.
Calcium is present in trace amounts and is essential for healthy bones and teeth, as well as playing an important role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
This fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can contribute to bowel regularity and overall digestive health.
Finally, it is emphasized that this fruit is one of the few that contain indicaxanthin, a betalain, a type of antioxidant vegetable pigment.
Furthermore, being a fruit rich in water, it is a good moisturizing food.

Method of Preparation –
Selenicereus costaricensis is an exotic fruit that is frequently eaten fresh.
It should be consumed by gently separating the pulp from the outer skin. The pulp should come off easily, as it is soft enough.
The pulp can be served in different ways. It can be cut into slices or cubes and added to a fruit salad, a salad or a smoothie but it can be eaten directly as fresh fruit.
The pulp is juicy, sweet and refreshing, with numerous small edible seeds. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for the diet.

Guido Bissanti

Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (ed.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora of Italy, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Advice and experiences with medicinal herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.

Photo source:
– https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/27361450/original.jpg

Attention: The pharmaceutical applications and alimurgical uses are indicated for informational purposes only, they do not in any way represent a medical prescription; we therefore decline all responsibility for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes.