California Manroot
Marah fabaceus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus:
- Marah
- Species:
- Marah fabaceus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 8-12 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- White
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Glorious Squash Vine Borer (Melittia gloriosa)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to chaparral and coastal scrub regions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked overnight with warm water or placed in dry, cold storage following collection and prior to sowing.
Establishment: Clean seed may be rapidly collected from ripening fruits of after falling to the ground from early to late spring. Seeds are collected between April 1st and June 15th. Mature pods are brown and spiny. Seed is greenish brown at maturity. Found on banks and slopes below 2,500 feet elevation near the coast; from Marin to Monterery County, California.
Source: npn.rngr.net