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Description
Marah Fabacea, commonly known as manroot or wild cucumber, is a climbing plant native to California, United States. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is a perennial plant that grows up to 20 feet in length. The plant has large leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The fruit of the Marah Fabacea is a spiny capsule that can be up to 4 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Marah |
Appearance
The leaves of Marah Fabacea are large, up to 12 inches in diameter, and are deeply lobed. The plant produces yellow flowers that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter and have five petals. The fruit of the plant is a spiny capsule that can be up to 4 inches long and is green in color when young, turning brown as it matures. The plant can grow up to 20 feet in length and is a climbing plant that uses tendrils to attach itself to other plants or structures.
Care Guide
Marah Fabacea is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season. Marah Fabacea prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Marah Fabacea is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. Additionally, the plant can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Marah Fabacea is native to California and can be found growing in coastal areas, canyons, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is a climbing plant that can attach itself to other plants or structures using tendrils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Marah Fabacea a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Marah Fabacea is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 20 feet in length.
Q: Can Marah Fabacea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Marah Fabacea can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Marah Fabacea require pruning?
A: Marah Fabacea does not require pruning but can be pruned to control its size or shape.
Q: Is Marah Fabacea toxic to pets?
A: Marah Fabacea is not known to be toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Marah oreganus
- Marah macrocarpus
- Marah watsonii
- Marah fabaceus var. fabaceus
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Marah fabacea. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Marah-fabacea-(Wild-Cucumber)?srchcr=sc5d9dd48b9c9b1
- University of California, Davis. (n.d.). Marah fabacea. Retrieved from https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/marah-fabacea
- University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Wild cucumber. Retrieved from http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74128.html
