Like cacti, dragon fruit has no main roots, and a large number of lateral roots are distributed in the shallow soil layer. At the same time, there are many aerial roots that can climb and grow. The rhizome is dark green, thick, up to 7 meters long, 10-12 cm thick, and has 3 ribs. Climbing roots grow at the stem nodes and can grow on other plants.

Due to long-term growth in tropical desert areas, its leaves have degenerated, and the photosynthetic function is undertaken by the stems. The flowers are white, with a huge lower ovary, and the flower is about 30 cm long, so it is also called the king flower. In its natural state, the fruit matures in summer and autumn and is sweet and juicy. It contains nearly 10,000 fragrant sesame-like seeds, so it is also called sesame fruit.