Tropicana Rixford is a Dragon Fruit hybrid variety from the genus Selenicereus and the species Guatemalensis. Internet research has stated that this variety is crossed with Niezel and was involved in creating the varieties as Cosmic Charlie (2-S), Dark Star (9-S), Physical Graffiti (1-S), Purple Haze (5-S), and Delight (3-S). Additional research also states that Rixford was also used with a variety called Houghton to create Voodoo Child and Sugar Dragon.
Growth has three lean angles with tiny spines typical of most Selenicereus Guatemalensis. The plant is slow-growing in the beginning and needs to be more mature to bloom, and once mature, growth becomes more aggressive and becomes a high producer.
Flowers
The flowers and flower buds are very similar to other S. Guatemalensis varieties, with a white and yellow appearance typically 14 inches across. Flower open to fruit is 30 days. Flowers are self-sterile, meaning you will need another pollinator for the fruit to set.
Fruit
The fruit of this variety is a round, medium-sized purple-fleshed fruit. Fruit typically weighs about a pound but can get larger occasionally. The fruit is tasty with a nice sweetness, scoring an average brix rating of 18.
