Dragonfruit: Coming of Age?
Bob G. Cannon II
PITAHAYA: A Promising New Fruit Crop for Southern
California is the title of a nicely done privately published book
by Paul Thomson. Paul is one of the two original founders of the California
Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG), USA.
Paul has taken advantage of two invaluable things in producing his book:
First is his years of accumulated knowledge on Pitahaya cactus, which primarily
consists of the two genera, Hylocereus and Selenecereus. Second, Paul has
used our modern computer technology to be able to produce his book at a
surprisingly high level of quality.
The book starts with two chapters giving good botanical descriptions of
the plants. This includes a complete description of the plant from spines
to roots.
The main chapters cover all aspects horticultural of Pitahaya with chapters
on; Climate, Culture, Propagation, Pollination and much more. There is a
special chapter of species descriptions, and growers with commercial plans
for this fruit will find much of value in the chapters on harvesting, propagation
and commercial aspects.
The book closes with Paul's thoughts on the future of the Pitahaya as a
local crop with international implications. His observations indicate that,
while this fruit has a couple of problems to overcome, it does have a future
with promise. The Pitahaya is one of those fruits that has been waiting in
the wings for discovery by the masses. Selected varieties can have excellent
flavor and the appearance is both exotic and appealing. Paul's book serves
as both an identification and cultural guide for the fruit. I think I’ll
have to collect some of his varieties for Florida.
First printed in 2000 the second edition is dated 2002. The revision has
color pictures, including front and back covers, and eight color plates
within contain a total of more than fifty pictures. The binding is wire
ring, to allow the booklet to lie flat while open.
Leo Manuel sent the following information on ordering the book:
I am selling these for the author, Paul Thomson. He is a friend,
almost ninety years of age, has vision problems, and can't legally drive
to the post office.
Within the United States, the postpaid price of the booklet will be $20,
payable to, Leo Manuel.
If you live outside the United States, the postpaid price will be $25,
payable in U.S. dollars to me, Leo Manuel. You can send an international
bank cheque written out to me for US $25, or either a cashier's cheque or
money order. Several people have sent cash in U.S. dollars, but there may
be greater risk.
I'm sorry but I can't accept credit cards or ship it C.O.D. Be sure
to send your mailing address with your order.
Ordering address:
Leo Manuel
P.O. Box 723083
San Diego, California
USA 92172-3083
If you are near Leo ask him about picking up your copy at a discount - he
also has Pitahaya plants and cuttings for sale. What a great way to add
to your collection! Readers may wish to visit: http://www.rarefruit.com/pitahayabook.html
for additional information. Good files and information about this fruit are
also found at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/
Note: Photographs edited for web display - ed.
© MMIV - Volume 1 Number 3 Whole Number 3 Tropical Visions July 2004
