Lisa

Description

The Lisa dragon fruit, a Nicaraguan variety of Hylocereus polyrhizus, is celebrated for its vibrant appearance and delightful flavor. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

1. Basic Overview

• Variety Name: Lisa
• Species: Hylocereus polyrhizus
• Origin: Nicaragua

2. Visual Appeal

• High-Quality Images:
  • Whole Fruit: Displays the thick red skin adorned with curling green bracts edged in dark red.
  • Cross-Section: Reveals the deep dark red flesh, highlighting its rich color.
  • Flowers and Plant: Showcases the large, white night-blooming flowers and the grayish-green stems.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Skin Color and Texture: Thick red skin with a smooth, velvety feel, complemented by green bracts with dark red margins.
• Flesh Color: Deep dark red.
• Fruit Size and Shape: Oval-shaped, medium to large, averaging around 1 pound (465 grams).
• Seed Distribution: Evenly distributed tiny black seeds.

4. Taste Profile

• Flavor Description: A harmonious blend of sweet and acidic notes, reminiscent of raspberries or strawberries.
• Sweetness Level: Average Brix rating of 17.02, indicating a pleasant sweetness.

5. Growing Characteristics

• Climate Requirements: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates; exhibits better-than-average tolerance to heat and cold.
• Plant Type: Climbing cactus with grayish-green stems that develop a protective gray coating upon maturity.
• Flowering Habits: Produces some of the largest dragon fruit flowers; white petals with yellow calyx tinged with red edges; blooms at night.
• Pollination: Self-sterile; requires cross-pollination from a different variety to set fruit.
• Growth Rate and Yield: Vigorous grower; among the most productive red-fleshed Nicaraguan cultivars.

6. Cultivation Tips

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Full sun to partial shade; exhibits enhanced tolerance to temperature extremes due to the gray stem coating.
• Watering Needs: Moderate watering; avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
• Support Structures: Benefits from trellises or stakes to support climbing growth.

7. Harvesting and Productivity

• Harvest Time: Late June to late December or January.
• Fruit Yield per Plant: High productivity; exact yield varies based on growing conditions.
• Ripening Indicators: Typically ready for harvest 44 days after flowering; skin color deepens, and fruit slightly softens.

8. Uses and Applications

• Culinary Uses: Ideal for fresh consumption, smoothies, desserts, and salads.
• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber; beneficial for overall health.
• Commercial Uses: Highly regarded in Nicaraguan markets; excellent commercial potential due to flavor and productivity.

9. Fun Facts

• Unique Traits: The name “Lisa” translates to “smooth,” referencing the fruit’s velvety rind texture.
• Origin or History: One of the top commercial dragon fruit varieties cultivated in Nicaragua.

10. Comparison Chart (Optional)

Variety Name	Flesh Color	Skin Color	Average Weight	Brix Rating	Pollination
Lisa	Dark Red	Red	~1 pound	17.02	Self-sterile
Rosa	Dark Red	Red	~1 pound	17.02	Self-sterile
Cebra	Dark Red	Red	~1 pound	17.02	Self-sterile

Note: DNA tests suggest that Lisa, Rosa, and Cebra may be the same variety, though slight variations in appearance have been observed.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is the Lisa dragon fruit self-pollinating?
  • No, it is self-sterile and requires cross-pollination from a different variety to set fruit.
• How long does it take from flowering to harvest?
  • Approximately 44 days from bloom to harvest.
• What makes Lisa different from other dragon fruit varieties?
  • Its combination of deep red flesh, smooth rind, large flowers, and balanced sweet-tart flavor distinguishes it from other varieties.

12. Engaging Features

• User Reviews/Testimonials:
  • “The Lisa variety stands out with its rich flavor and high productivity. A must-have for dragon fruit enthusiasts!”
• Interactive Elements:
  • Consider adding a flavor profile slider or a comparison tool to highlight differences between Lisa and other varieties.