Marah spp. (Manroot, Wild Cucumber)

Photographs

My photos:

These two photos are from Torrey Pines in March. In the photo below, the vine is completely covering a shrub, which is how this vine is commonly found.

Below, the fruits of the Wild Cucumber, growing over an oleander bush at Holy Jim Canyon.

More photos:

Good photos and description from Montara

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Cucurbitaceae

In the garden:

This is probably not a good plant for a garden, although it is quite handsome-looking.

In the wild:

"The name 'Manroot' comes from the surprisingly large tubers (4 - 8 ft long!) of these plants, which can appear to be a dead body when dug up. I don't think the name had any sexual connotations. Perhaps to be socially correct we should re-name them 'Personroots.' The common name 'Wild Cucumber' seems to apply to both of these plants and is devoid of any gender presumptions." [ref]

Ethnobotany:

This plant has many uses to native people. The root can be made into soap. There are also various medicinal uses for different parts of the plant. The seeds may be ground into flour and made into mush or baked in hot ashes as cakes. The berries are eaten raw or dried for use in the winter, mixed with acorns. By reducing the pulp to a powder and mixing it with water, cider is made. Finally, a soothing tea is made from the blossoms.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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