Orejona is a deep red flesh Dragon Fruit, tart, not very sweet. This sort needs pollinator, tolerates heat well.
Description
Orejona dragonfruit variety is a Nicaraguan Dragon Fruit that is round with small fins and dark red flesh and skin. It is one of five known species to be grown commercially in Nicaragua. The fruit is tasty with an average brix score of 16. Once mature this variety is a high producer and a rapid grower.
Like most red flesh varieties, the fruit is also very high in antioxidants. Fruit with red flesh, average flavor and size (~ 438 g) and numerous long bracts.
| Pollination: | Self-Sterile |
| Skin color: | Red |
| Flesh color: | Dark Red |
| Average fruit weight: | 300 to 400 g |
| Weather tolerance: | 4 out of 5 |
| Fruit production: | 4 out of 5 |
| Flavor: | 3 out of 5 |
| Growing: | 4 out of 5 |
The flowers are self-sterile and need to be cross pollinated. Flower bud to night blooming flower is a typical 30 days then another 30 days to harvest in South Louisiana. 45 days from bloom to harvest in Southern California. Harvest from late June to late December.
Stems thin, relatively short, and grayish green. Areoles with 6-8 spines in a random pattern, 3-8 mm long. Segment between areoles straight to slightly concave, which exposes the spines and makes this cultivar appear very spiny. Flowers large, petals white, calyx yellow with reddish-tinged edges, anthers and stigma lobes yellow, stigma lobes lighter than anthers.
The growth of the stem has a grayish green color with three sided edges that have several medium sized spines. The gray coating on the stem help protects the plant from the heat in the summer time and cold in the winter time. Average resistance to cold and heat. Grows well in full sun. Low commercial potential due to spines.
Conclusion
Originated in Nicaragua, this variety is aggressive grower and a high producer. The stems have gray coating that help protects them from extreme weather. I take about 30 days from bud to flower and another 30 days from flower to rip fruit. The fruit has a dark red skin and olive-green fins, thorny, the flesh is very deep red, mild tart, not very sweet. Brix reported 16-17.
