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Dragon-fruit trees in the wild

When our friend Norberto heard I was writing a book about the dragon-fruit tree he offered to send me some photos and help me find out a little more about this magical plant.

 

It was from him that I learned that dragon-fruit trees often grow high up in other trees. I rather like the idea that they can grow secretly, hidden away, just like the dragons in my story. 

Maybe you can spot one in this picture which Norberto sent me?

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The dragon-fruit tree is a bit easier to spot in this one

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These next few photos were taken by Norberto’s niece Arely, who told him they had a dragon-fruit tree growing wild near their house! Very kindly, she went out with her camera to snap some wonderful pictures for me. Thank you Arely!

Here is a fabulous picture of the dragon-fruit flower that Tomas sees while he's hiding from Grim in his grandad's garden.

 

""The vivid tendrils on one of the long green cactus arms of the dragon-fruit tree had parted. Nestled inside were the white petals of a flower. In the moonlight it seemed to be glowing,..The tendrils had spread into a star shape and the moon-white petals within had unfolded to reveal a golden heart."   (from 'Oi Stinker'  Chapter 17 of 'The Boy Who Grew Dragons')

And the most magical thing about dragon-fruit flowers is that they only bloom for one night!

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Some pictures from Arely of the fruit growing 

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The dragon fruit growing wild in the field behind Arely's house

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magnificent aspect of a plant living in

Look out for dragons!

(Photos courtesy of Norberto Cuevas and Arely Hernandez)

And here is a dragon fruit tree in the garden of my cousin's neighbour in Taiwan - looks like they'd better keep their eyes peeled too!

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(Photos courtesy of Mark Revett)

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