Wild Cucumber (Marah fabaceus) is the most common of the manroot species native to California. Wild Cucumber is a vine with stout, hairy stems and tendrils and broad robed leaves.
The vines appear in late winter in response to increased rainfall, and can rapidly climb or scramble to a length of 20 feet, but goes dormant in the summer. The flowers are orange, yellow or white. The fruit is noticeable: a large, green, prickly sphere. The seeds are a favorite of wildlife.
Wild Cucumber grows in full sun and takes very low water. Hybrids between California manroot and the other species are common.