Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is the colorful, edible product of several species of climbing cacti native to the Americas. The plant is a member of the Cactaceae family and, like most cacti, possesses protective structures. The direct answer to whether dragon fruit has thorns or spines is yes, the plant does have spines, but the mature fruit sold in stores is typically spineless and safe to handle. Understanding the botanical source clarifies why the plant is equipped with these sharp defenses, while the fruit itself is generally not. The presence and size of these spines depend entirely on the specific variety being grown.
The Plant’s Spines Location and Structure
The dragon fruit plant is an epiphytic or terrestrial vine-like cactus, meaning it often climbs up supports or other trees in its natural habitat. The stems, which are the main body of the plant, are fleshy and typically have three distinct, wavy ribs. This stem structure is where the protective spines are located.
The spines grow from specialized, small, cushion-like areas called areoles, which are characteristic features of all cacti. These areoles are situated along the scalloped edges of the stem ribs, and they are the points from which the spines or bristles emerge. In many common varieties, these spines are fine, sharp, and grey-brown, often appearing inconspicuous but capable of causing irritation.
The function of these sharp structures is defensive, protecting the water-storing stems from herbivores. The fruit develops from a flower bud on these stems but does not typically carry the large, hard spines found on the main cactus body. Although the stem can be lengthy, sometimes reaching up to 20 feet, the spines remain confined to the protective stem structure. This distinction explains why consumers rarely encounter a spiny fruit in the produce aisle.
Are There Thornless Varieties
The perception of dragon fruit as spineless is largely due to commercial cultivation and selective breeding. While many wild species, such as those in the Hylocereus genus, produce stems with noticeable spines, growers have developed “thornless” or “spineless” cultivars. These cultivated varieties minimize the labor and risk associated with harvesting.
A variety may be labeled thornless because the stems have only one or two tiny spines located near the areole, making them easier to manage than traditional thorny types. Examples include commercial cultivars like ‘Sin Espinas’ or ‘Taiwan Thornless Big Red,’ which are valued for easy handling. In some cases, the few small spines that develop on the fruit are easily rubbed off during harvesting.
It is important to distinguish between the fruit’s spines and the small, leaf-like scales, known as bracts, that cover the skin. These bracts give the fruit its distinctive appearance but are soft and harmless. The exception to the typically spineless fruit is the yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus), which has many small, sharp spines that must be brushed off before the fruit is sold.
Safe Handling and Preparation
For home growers tending to the cactus vine, wearing thick gloves is recommended when pruning or harvesting thorny varieties. The small, fine bristles present on the stems can be painful if they penetrate the skin. If dealing with a variety known to produce spiny fruit, such as the yellow-skinned types, the spines should be brushed off while the fruit is still attached to the vine.
Consumers purchasing dragon fruit from the market rarely need to worry about sharp spines, but a quick inspection is prudent. Any remaining small bristles can be easily wiped away with a cloth or brush before cutting. The skin of the mature fruit is thick and inedible, forming a protective layer that is simple to remove.
The fruit is prepared by slicing it in half lengthwise and scooping out the white, red, or purple flesh, or by peeling the skin away entirely. The ease of preparation, combined with the fact that commercial varieties are largely spineless, ensures that the fruit offers an enjoyable and safe culinary experience.