Selenicereus costaricensis, commonly known as the Costa Rican pitahaya or red-fleshed dragon fruit, is a climbing cactus species in the family Cactaceae. Native to the seasonally dry forests of Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, it has become a globally significant crop alongside its relative S. undatus. The genus name Selenicereus refers to Selene, the Greek moon goddess, highlighting its nocturnal flowering, while the species epithet costaricensis identifies its primary native region. Historically, it was a wild-harvested fruit of the Mesoamerican tropics before being developed into a high-value commercial export, particularly favored in the 21st century for its intense pigmentation.

The plant is a hemi-epiphytic cactus with thick, succulent, three-angled stems that feature more prominent spines and a more robust, "waxy" glaucous coating than the white-fleshed varieties. Like other Selenicereus species, it produces massive, fragrant white flowers that open for a single night to be pollinated by bats or hawkmoths. The fruit is roughly spherical with deep red-to-purple skin and, most distinctively, a vibrant, deep crimson or magenta pulp. This intense coloration is an evolutionary adaptation, likely intended to attract specific avian and mammalian dispersers in the dense tropical canopy.

S. costaricensis is highly sought after for its flavor, which is generally sweeter and more robust than the white-fleshed S. undatus, often possessing subtle notes of berry or beet. The deep red flesh is used extensively in the production of juices, sorbets, and high-end culinary purees, where its natural pigment acts as a powerful food coloring. In modern "superfood" trends, the frozen pulp is a popular base for vibrant magenta smoothie bowls. The numerous tiny black seeds are consumed with the flesh, providing a nutty crunch and a source of healthy fats.

Nutritionally, the Costa Rican pitahaya is a powerhouse of betalains, specifically betacyanins, which are the same class of nitrogen-containing pigments found in beets and amaranth. These compounds are potent antioxidants that provide significantly higher radical-scavenging activity compared to white-fleshed varieties. The fruit is also a reliable source of Vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Because of its high betacyanin content, excessive consumption can lead to pseudohematuria (a harmless reddish coloration of urine), a phenomenon well-documented in gastronomic ethnobiology. Furthermore, the pulp contains functional fibers and oligosaccharides that serve as prebiotics, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.