Dragon Fruit

and
Palawan Cherry

ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUREAU

Department 01 l:nvironrnent and Natural Resources
College 4031 Laguna
 FOREWC)"D
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Nowadays, natural health and alternative medicines are
IIIi RISE TASK FORCE t'i"~oming widespread methods of preventing and treatinq i'inesses,
due to the escalating prices of the prescription drugs and their

I Executive Adviser
i!
Or Portia G Lapitan undesirable chemical side effects Because of this awareness, more

II
I, Team leader Dr. Leuvina M, Tanduq
and more people are turning to natural health solutions.

II Asst. Team Leads! One of the fruits that IS becoming popular due to the various
I! and Editor nutritional value and health benefits that can be derived from it. is
,I ML Eliseo M. Baltazar
the Pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit. It is also fondly called
I'I Assistant
! Editors Ms. Uberty E. Asis
as "Moonflower" or "Queen of the night" because it blooms only at
nighttime as !t exudes rich fragrance. Dragon fruit is among the most
III Ms. Marla V Cambay
nutritious and wonderful exotic fruit. In some countries and cultures, it

I Members Dr. Elpidio F. Rimanoo

is called a "gift of the nature", because of its dazzling flowers, intense
shape and color, sweet tasting pulp, delicate aroma and most of all,
Dr. Rafael T Cadiz
II its enormous nutritional value. Owing to its numerous superb qualities.
Ms. Maria dP Dayan
II 'his fruit has also excellent money making possibilities.

i Production Coordinator
Computer Services
Proofreading
Mr. Francisco R. Cabrera The information contained herein can provide valuable guide in
the propagation and utilization of this fruit tree. It is also a potential crop
Mr. Nestor S. Leviste for agroforestry which is a component of the reforestation program of
the government.
Ms. Flora B. Palicpic
Ms. Marilou C. Villones
II I This issue of RISE also features Palawan cherry, a tree which

., I Mr. Eduardo M. Tolentino

I'
is widespread not only in Palawan but almost all over the Philippines.
It is often planted in parks and gardens and also at the edge of the
II :1
/1 LayoutArtist Mr. Nestor S. Leviste II forests. The tree is probably the nearest among local species that
has a resemblance to cherry blossoms of Japan. It is fondly called
'I Printing Mr. Celso A. Luna I!,I "8alayong" in Palawan Local folks celebrate a festival named after its
season of bloom
II
:/. Collating and Binding Mr. Eduardo M. Tolentino l!
ji
,----

I Mr. Renato R. Garcia !I

I

/1 I Circulation
Ms, Flora B. Palicpic
!,
'j

1',1 PORTIA t.tA(f:j, Ph.D.

I
1"'.. 1'

Ole-Director. EROB

/L .. ..__ . II
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SPECIES PAGE

Dragon Fruit

Description 1
Uses 3
Distribution 4
Site Requirements 4
Phenology 5
Propagation 5
Plantation Establishment 7
Pests and Diseases 9
References 10
Dragon Fruit
Palawan Cherry

Description 13
(Hylocereus)
Uses 13
Distribution 14
Seed Technology & Propagation 14
Plantation Establishment
Compiled by
14
References 15
MARITA W. BRIZ

RISE
 the fruit is covered by green-tipped with bright pink to red
overlapping scales. It has thin rind which encloses a large mass
of sweetly flavored white or red pulp with small black seeds.
Common Name Dragon Fruit
Roots
Local name Pitaya or Pitahaya, Sweet pitaya
The primary roots form patches or cloak that can reach
Genus Hylocereus 30 centimeters in diameter and 2 to 10 inches in depth.

Scientific Name Stem

There are three (3) famous cultivars or types of Sweet
Pitaya:
/-Iylocereus undatus - red pitaya, which has red skin
and white pulp. This is the most commonly
seen.
Hylocereus costaricensis - (Costa Rica Pitaya oftenly
called H. po/yrhizus, which has red skin and red
pulp.
Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow pitaya formerly known
as Selenicereus megaJanthus, which has yellow
skin and white pulp.
Fire dragon fruit, strawberry pear and nanettika fruit
Family Name : Cactaceae
Description
It has green, triangular (3-sided, sometimes 4 or 5
sided), fleshy jointed, many-branched stems which are
succulent and contains large amount of water that enables the
plant to adapt to places with dry climatic condition. Each stem
segment is composed of three wings that are wavy and with
scalloped margins. Each trough of wings contains one to three
short spines. The stem can reach 20 ft long.
Flower
Flowers are beautiful ornate which bloom at night and
possess a very rich fragrance, thus, it is known as "Moon
flower" or "Queen of the night". The flowers usually wilt by the
morning so that pollination is necessary to set fruit. The plant
relies on nocturnal pollinators like bats or moths for fertilization.
The flowers are hermaphroditic. The flowers are very large, bell-
shaped white (pink in other species), and measures around 14
inches long (36 em) and 9 inches wide (23 em). The stamens
and lobed stigmas are cream in color.

Dragon fruit trees/plants are fast growing vine-like,

terrestrial, epiphytic cactus, with fleshy stems that can reach a
height of up to twenty feet. (Dragon fruits are among the most
attractive exotic fruits). It is called as dragon fruit because
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.A
 Photo from: en.wikipedia.orglwikifPitaya used to flavor drinks and pastries. The fruit is also processed
Fruit into jam, puree, cordial salad, sherbets, fruit pizza and
beverages. Flower buds are also eaten when cooked.
The fruit is a ,.--_. ---~
fleshy berry. It is oblong Nutritional value of a typical dragon fruit
r------
and resembles a big
grenade usually red in I Fiber 0.9g
Fat 0.61g
color weighing around
400 to 600 grams. The I Ashes 0.68g
fruit is sweet and juicy and Carotene 0.012g
the taste is a combination of Water 83.0g
pear, kiwi and watermelon. Phosphorus 36.1mg
Cross-section of a ripe dragon fruit
Hylocereus undatus
Ascorbic Acid 9.0mg
Seeds Protein 0.229g
Riboflavin 0.045mg
The seeds are very small, numerous and black Calcium 8.8g
covered by mucilage. They are embedded within the pulp. Niacin 0.430mg
Iron 0.65mg
Uses
Distribution
Dragon fruit has various health benefits because it
is rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It is also loaded with The plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and
photoalbumins which are vital and known worldwide for the South America. Currently, the genus is also cultivated in East
antioxidants they possess that help in the prevention of the Asian and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia
formation of free radical that cause cancer. It is also low particularly in Eastern Java, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan,
in calories and high in vitamin C. It enhances metabolism, Thailand and Vietnam, They can also be found in Hawaii, Israel,
improves memory and digestion as well as improve the immune Palestine, Okinawa, northern Australia and southern China, Sri
system. It also aids in maintaining clear vision, reduces fat, bad Lanka and Bangladesh.
cholesterol, hypertension and blood glucose. It is recommended
for people with type 2 diabetes who would like to control their Site Requirements
blood glucose level. It is good for the liver, strengthens bones
and good for teeth development. It helps improve appetite as Dragon fruit thrives best in dry, tropical or subtropical
well as moisturizes and smoothens skin. climates with an annual rainfall of 20-50 inches per year.

The fruits are nutritious, instantly refreshing and low in The species can adapt to a wide range of soils provided
calories. The fruit is popularly eaten when chilled. It can also be they are well-drained. This plant grows best in organic soil

-,' RISE RiSE

that is mixed with sand under a full sunlight to partial shade
envi ronment.
In general, for best growth and fruit production, dragon
fruit prefers to be planted in full or almost full sunlight. They
need very light shade.
Phenology
From flower bud formation, it takes a month before a fruit
could be harvested. The flowers open 10 days after flower bud
formation. It will take 10 days for fruit development and then
another 10 days for fruit to mature.
Propagation
A.Seed Technology
Dragon fruit can be propagated by seeds. However, it is
more advisable to grow it from stem cuttings. Plants from seeds
may take around seven to eight years before it will start to bear
fruits.
How to grow dragon fruit from seeds:
1. To harvest mature seeds from the ripe dragon fruit,
scoop out the interior flesh using a very fine mesh strainer. By
using a spoon or fingers, press the flesh away from the seeds,
intermittently rinsing the strainer underwater to separate the
seeds from the flesh, then shake off the excess water after
rinsing.
2. Tap the mass of seeds out onto a glass or ceramic plate.
On a flat work surface, roll out a line of double-ply tissue. Then,
pick up the single small seeds and deposit them onto the toilet
paper in even rows with 1/8 inch or so between the seeds.
Let the seeds dry onto the tissue that it can be moved without
falling the seeds.
3. On top of the planting tray or bed filled with moist sterile
potting media, lay the seed-speckled tissue, and sprinkle it with
not more than 'Y.! inch thick of soil. Water the soil lightly and
keep the seeds moist at all times to enhance germination; or
Fill the 3-inch square pot with sterile, non-acidic seed-
starting compost. Sow two seeds in each pot then scatter a thin
layer of compost to barely cover the seeds. Then, spray the
compost in each pot with water to keep the top half-inch moist.
Each pot should be placed on a propagation mat. Cover the
pots with plastic wrap to maintain warmth and moisture.
4. Keep the trays with the seeds or pots with the seeds in
place with an ambient temperature of 18 to 25°C. Germination
will take place two to three weeks after sowing.
5. When the plants outgrow their original container, the
plants can be transplanted into larger ones. Hardening of stem
to its mature plant form will take place in three years. Keep the
soil lightly and evenly moist at all times but not consistently wet.
6. When the dragon fruit reaches at least 3 inches in
height, apply a very light dose of palm special fertilizer with
micro-nutrients and a guaranteed analysis of 8-3-9 or 8-4-12 to
the soil surface around the plant. Use 1/8 lb. of fertilizer then
water well. After the first year of growth, increase the fertilizer
application to 1/4 lb.
B. How to grow dragon fruit from cuttings
The easiest propagation method for dragon fruit is by
cuttings. Cuttings should be taken when the plant is still actively
growing or from a branch that is more than one year old. Cut
" 8.ISE
the branch off where it joins the main stem or meets up with
year-old tissue. Then, cuttings should be placed in a shady area
for several days to allow a callus to develop on the cut end.
Cuttings should then be put in the potting soil with the
cut end down. After a few weeks roots will be formed.
Plant the cuttings in plastic bags for two months.
Then, transfer in an open field with a spacing of 3 m between
posts and 2-4 m between rows. Cement posts can be used
as support. In each post three cuttings can be planted. The
concrete posts measure 4" x 4" x 7'. The post is placed a feet
above the ground.
Plantation Establishment
How to Plant a Dragon Fruit:
Plant the dragon fruit in a rich, well-drained soil in a
partial shade. It is necessary to support the plant with a stake
starting from outplanting, then trellis or metal frames can be
used as the plant grows. Watering should be done weekly
because overwatering causes rotting of the roots. During the
initial stages, it is suggested that only one pseudo stem should
be allowed to grow while the secondary stems can be pruned.
Once the shoots grow well, three to five secondary pseudo
stems could be grown in a balanced and well spread manner.
Silvicultural treatments
Regular pruning is important in order to obtain an open,
manageable and productive umbrella shape canopy. It also
induces new shoots for the next cropping season. It is also
necessary to conduct pruning after harvest.
RISE
Fertilization
To have high yield, at planting time, apply chicken
manure mixed with rice hull and complete fertilizer (14-14-14).
Then, once a month apply granular complete fertilizer in soil
and spray the plant with complete foliar fertilizer. Then, every
two to three months, composts can be added to the soil. To
increase yield, an organic fertilizer can be applied twice a year.
It was also reported that, a combination of organic and
complete fertilizer (14-14-14) and urea (46-0-0) can be applied
ideally every three months. A combination of 2 kg of organic,
25 g of urea and 75g of complete fertilizer can be used.
Once a year, the soil around the plant can be also top-
dresses with well-aged livestock manure or compost to enrich
the soil. Put 1-2 inch thick blanket around the plant while
keeping the organics away from the trunk. The amount of
r compost and/or manure should be increased as it matures.
Fruit Production and Fruiting cycle
One can aid pollination and can be done by collecting
the pollen from the anthers using a soft brush then deposit them
on the stigma (star-shaped), which protrudes out of the petals.
The flowers usually open 10 days after flower bud formation,
the 10 days before a fruit can be developed, and 10 days for
the fruit to mature. Harvesting of fruits can be done around
30-40 days after flower bud formation.
It is a high-yielding crop. The plant usually takes around
two years to bear fruits. At two years old, the potential yield per
hectare is 30 tons and at five years old, the yield can go up to
100 tons per hectare. In full production, the plant can have 4-6
fruiting cycles annually. The lifespan of dragon fruit is around 20
years.
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However, when the fruits become over-mature, the fruits
tend to crack affecting its marketability.
Pests and Diseases
References
Cavite State University. 2008. Introducing the Dragon Fruit.
Research Center, Cavite State University. Agriculture
magazine XII (8): 24-25.

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris can cause the
stem to rot while Dothiorel/a fungus can cause brown spots on
the fruit. Overwatering the plant or excessive rainfall can cause
the flowers to drop and fruit to rot. Dragon fruit is a hardy plant,
hence only minor pests are observed.
Dela Cruz, Rita T. 2009. Improved Production Technology
for Dragon Fruit. Agriculture Magazine XII (7):46-47
July 2009.
Sarian, Zac 8.2001. Meet the Dragon Fruit. AgriCUlture
Magazine V(9):29 September 2001.

Pablico, Sosimo, Ma. 2009. /locos Norte Dragon Fruit Farm

Now Planting Material Source: Agriculture Magazine XIII
(1): 10-13 January 2009.

blog. planoboaviagem.com. brlwp-includes/css/dragon-fruit. .. _

http://www.ehow.com/facts _7198249 _propagation-dragon-fruit

trees. html#ixzzOOjiAxCsa

http://www.ehow.com/how _ 12141097 _germinate-dragon-fruit.

html#ixzz2qcVXnuDI

http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php ?tit!e=Pitaya&old

id=514600066

www.agripinoy.netlgrowing-pitaya-dragonfruit.html

www.buzzle.com/articles/dragon-fruit-tree.html

www.dragonfruitlfoodlywise.com

www.tradewindsfruit.com/dragonfruit.htm

~RISE'

•
 An establish/set up of dragon fruit plantation
in Dragon Wellness Farm.

Palawan Cherry
(Cassia x' Palawan Cherry )

Compiled by

ROGELIO M. CALINAWAN
Dragon fruit plantation

Ripe dragon fruit

,'RISE'
RISE·

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Palawan Cherry
Common Name
Local name Balayong
Scientific Name Cassia x' Palawan cherry
Caesalpiniaceae
Family Name
Description
The Palawan Cherry is a small to medium sized tree. It
can grow up to a height of 15 m or taller, and has a diameter of
about 50 em. Its leaves are pinnate, about 40 cm long and 3.5
cm wide. It is green in color and smooth on both surfaces. The
flowering branches are usually drooping and are abo~t 30 cm
long. The light pink flowers are arranged in loose panicles and
about 5 cm across. The fruit is cylindrical, hard, smooth, about
30 cm long and turns black upon maturity.
Uses
It was widely used for building furniture during the
Spanish colonial period. The tree's timber is similar to that of
narra acacia and ipil. It is hard but easy to work with. Balayong
woodis sometimes used as structural members and flooring in
houses built during the Spanish era. Antique furnitures made of
balayong command high prices as they tend to b~ sturdy a.nd
are rarely infested with termites. Palawan cherry IS now bemg
planted as an ornamental tree.
Distribution
There are lots of balayong in Palawan, which is why
some botanists insist that it is native to the island. In Manila,
Palawan cherries are planted within the area of the Manila
Seedling Bank Foundation in Quezon City. Some of these trees
can be seen at the Malacariang Palace grounds facing the
Pasig river.
Palawan cherry is fondly called balayong by the people
of Palawan and they have a festival named after it to celebrate
its season of bloom between March and April.
Seed Technology and Propagation
Palawan Cherry or Balayong is primarily propagated
through seeds. To enhance germination, seeds can be
pretreated with concentrated sulfuric acid for 15 minutes then
wash in running water to remove trace of acid. Sow the seeds
in trays or in seed bed. Seeds started to germinate 3-4 days
after sowing. Prick the germinants 2 weeks after germination
and transplant the seedlings in 3x3x7 plastic bags. The
seedlings are hardened in the nursery and watered every other
day.
Plantation Establishment
Balayong needs low maintenance. Young plants need
extra phosphorous to encourage good root development.
Spacing should be 4-6 feet apart. The soil can be normal to
moist. Nitrogenous fertilizers like ammonium sulfate or urea
enhance its growth. When the seedlings reach a foot or.1.5
feet in height, they can be replanted in a field or garden. TriG
Palawan Cherry requires full exposure to sunlight.
 -------~-- ..,-

References

A. pictorial Guide to the Noteworthy Plants of Palawan (Palawan

Tropical Forestry Protection Programme 2002). p. 57.
Domingo A. Madulid

Dayan, M. DP. 2010. Seed Technology of Indigenous Tree

Species. ERDB Annual Report. ERDB, College, Laguna

Manila Bulletin, June 29, 2011. (The Resplendent Palawan

Cherry by Norby Bautista)

http://blackshama. blogspot. com/20 11/04/hanami-everything-is-

transient-and. html

http://blog.asiahotels .com/best -hotels-to-see-cherry -blossorns-

in-asia/img-0194
The Palawan cherry is the most popular flowering tree in
Palawan.
http://www.pcsd.ph/photo-gallery/flora/palawancherry.htm

http·/lwww.pinoyboats.orgllink.html

The flowers of Palawan cherry in full bloom.

A
 RISE Research Information Series on Ecosystems, popularly
Vol. 25 NO.1 known as RISE, is a compilation of the most recent
Jan - Apr. 2013 and relevant information. to provide technical support
to major programs of the DENR particularly on
reforestation, rehabilitation of degraded areas, upland
development and coastal zone management.

For comments and suggestion, please contact:

The Director
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
College, laguna 4031
Tel Nos. (049) 536-2229; 536-2269; 536-3221;
536-3628; Fax No. (049) 536-2850

REMINDER TO OUR DEAR READERS

To properly update our mailing list, we request you to

1
provide us with new information on your present address, if
Palawan cherries are mostly found in parks and gardens.
necessary. Please inform ERDB through the:

The Circulation Officer

Email: erdbiec@yahoQ.co(rl
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
College 4031, Laguna

RISE

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This publication should not be reproduced without written
permission from the ERDB Director

RISE issues can be translated into regional dialects by

DENR Regional Research Offices provided that proper
acknowledgement of source be made on the back cover.

The official citation is :

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
Dragon Fruit and Palawan Cherry
Vol. 25 Nos. 1, January - April 2013
Research Information Series on Ecosystems
ERDB, College 4031, Laguna

For copies, please contact:

The Circulation Officer, Technology Development Division
ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUREAU
College 4031, Laguna
Tel. Nos. 536-2229; 536-2269; 536-3221
FAX No. (049) 536-2850

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