20/08/2026
The Dragon Fruit Challenge - Part 70 Naming
Prociv Pitahaya Cultivar Epithet Naming Standard
Producing pitahaya hybrids started as a fun experiment. As the years passed and the number of hybrids increased, it became necessary to distinguish the high performers with unique names. This was highlighted when two of my hybrids were “discovered” by commercial growers who then began selling the plants as a sideline to fruit production.
I have spent far too much time mulling over potential names. This was an ad hoc, random journey that was devoid of story, meaning or consistency. So, in line with the IUBS International Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants 2013, I have decided to name my hybrid creations as per the following cultivar epithet standard:
Breeder’s Name; Fruit Colour Descriptor; Identity Number
Thus, MPH, which is currently being traded around the world, becomes “Prociv White 1”, and Pink Lemonade, whose name is currently used for two separate varieties, becomes “Prociv Pink 1”.
This cultivar epithet naming standard will remove the potential for accidental duplication of name with other varieties globally and will provide a meaningful description of the fruit as a unique variety that is not mistaken for other similar varieties. All of my hybrids named under this cultivar epithet standard will be guaranteed self-fertile with high fruit quality.
I have adopted the following colour group descriptors:
