Pitaya flowers at night. The large white flowers render them popular as ornamentals, being referred to as Moonflower, Lady of the Night or Queen of the Night. Many species of pitaya are self-sterile so moths and bats are required to achieve cross pollination. The period during which individual flowers are open is usually one night only so effective pollinating agents are essential. Ants have been observed pollinating flowers and honey bees do visit the flowers, but each of these is relatively inefficient at achieving pollination and fruit set.
Fruits are brightly coloured and are unique in appearance.
The red pitaya bears large pink, red or mauve fruits. Each weighs around 150-600g and contains many, small edible seeds. The pulp varies from white to various shades of red. The fruit is covered with many small clusters of spines, which can be brushed off the fully ripe fruit. It is commercially grown in Colombia.