In earlier issues of Tree Fruit (May and June 2014), we reported the training of the cactus Pitaya, a native of Mexico, better known in Australia as Dragon Fruit, on a modified Open Tatura.
Succulent stem pieces were planted in early 2014. A specially-designed method of training allowed the plants to fill the canopy quickly and efficiently.
The canopy was fully developed approximately 11 months later with the first flowers appearing.
Of the many tropical and ultra-tropical fruits already growing on Open Tatura, Dragon Fruit has the potential to further expand and sustain a viable and profitable fruit industry in north Queensland where conventionally-planted trees were devastated by two cyclones (Larry in 2006 and Yasi in 2011).
For more information see Tree Fruit April 2015
