Are Hylocereus Undatus and Opuntia Cochenillifera in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Cactaceae.

Can you substitute Hylocereus Undatus for Opuntia Cochenillifera?

They share the Cactaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Hylocereus Undatus vs Opuntia Cochenillifera

Hylocereus undatus · Opuntia cochenillifera

Hylocereus Undatus

Hylocereus undatus

T Traditional Use

Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Hylocereus
Primary use: medicinal

Selenicereus undatus, the white-fleshed pitahaya, is a species of the genus Selenicereus in the family Cactaceae and is the most cultivated species in the genus. It is used both as an ornamental vine and as a fruit crop, the pitahaya or dragon fruit.

Opuntia Cochenillifera

Opuntia cochenillifera

T Traditional Use

Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Primary use: medicinal

Opuntia cochenillifera is a species of cactus in the subfamily Opuntioideae. It may have been endemic to Mexico, but has been widely introduced. The first description was in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus as Cactus cochenillifer. Philip Miller renamed it as Opuntia cochenillifera in 1768.

At a glance

· Both in Cactaceae, but different genera (Hylocereus vs Opuntia).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Hylocereus Undatus: T; Opuntia Cochenillifera: T.