Marah macrocarpa
chilicothe
Southern California and Baja California
Overview
Cucamonga manroot is a herbaceous perennial vine in the gourd family, growing each year from a large tuberous root that can exceed several feet long and weigh many pounds. From late winter into spring the tuber sends up trailing or climbing stems 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) long that scramble over shrubs and fences using branched, coiling tendrils. The palmate leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide with five to seven lobes and a rough, sandpapery surface. Plants are monoecious: small cream-white, star-shaped male flowers about 0.4 inch (10 mm) wide cluster on upright stalks, while solitary female flowers sit below them. Fertilized female flowers swell into round to oblong fruit 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) across, densely covered in stout spines and holding a few large seeds. As summer heat arrives the top growth yellows and dies back completely, and the plant rests as a dormant tuber until the next rainy season. Marah macrocarpa is grown mostly as a native curiosity for dry-season banks and wild gardens; its drought-deciduous habit leaves bare ground through the hot months, and all parts, especially the seeds and root, are bitter and toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral slopes, and canyon bottoms below about 5,000 feet (1,500 m). Marah macrocarpa is adapted to the winter-wet, summer-dry rhythm of the California floristic province.Suggested Uses
Used in native and habitat gardens, on dry banks, and along fences or trellises where a fast cool-season vine suits a winter-wet climate. It gives quick cover from late winter into spring, then dies back to bare ground for summer. The vines also screen low fences during the rainy months.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Blooms from January to April, beginning soon after winter rains bring the vines out of dormancy. Male flowers open in upright sprays over several weeks while scattered female flowers set fruit lower on the stems. Flowering ends as the soil dries and the vine begins its summer dieback.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight