There are approximately 20 species of Hylocereus, ranging from Mexico through Central America to northern South America and from southernmost Florida and throughout the West Indies. These may be epiphytes or, more commonly, hemiepiphytes and succulent lianas. The majority of species have three prominent ribs with little or no development of spines on the areoles. Adventitious roots grow out of the side of the stem facing the tree or soil, and if the lower part, rooted in soil, rots, the rest of the plant can survive as a hemiepiphyte or a climbing epiphyte, rooting via adventitious roots that arise from the succulent stem tissues. Flowers in this genus are exceedingly large, and in several species flower length exceeds 30 centimeters, making these the largest blossoms in the cactus family.

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