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Description
Marah Horrida, also known as the California Manroot, is a perennial plant species from the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California, and can be found in chaparral, woodland, and desert habitats. The plant is known for its large and spiny fruits, which can grow up to 15 cm in diameter and 2 kg in weight. The fruits are not edible and are often used for decorative purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Marah |
Appearance
The Marah Horrida plant can grow up to 10 meters in length and has large, lobed leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce the large and spiny fruits, which are green when immature and turn brown when mature. The fruits have a hard outer shell and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
The Marah Horrida plant prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It can tolerate drought conditions but will benefit from regular watering during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary but can be done sparingly with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be propagated by seed or by dividing the root system.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Marah Horrida plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
The Marah Horrida plant is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California and can be found in chaparral, woodland, and desert habitats. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of soil types and is often found growing along roadsides and in disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the fruits of the Marah Horrida plant edible?
A: No, the fruits of the Marah Horrida plant are not edible and should not be consumed.
Q: How tall can the Marah Horrida plant grow?
A: The Marah Horrida plant can grow up to 10 meters in length.
Q: What is the hardiness zone range for the Marah Horrida plant?
A: The Marah Horrida plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: How can the Marah Horrida plant be propagated?
A: The Marah Horrida plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing the root system.
Related Plants
- Marah Macrocarpus
- Marah Oreganus
- Marah Fabaceus
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Marah horrida. Retrieved from https://www.cnps.org/grownative/marah-horrida
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Marah horrida. Retrieved from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415949
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Marah horrida. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286587
