Scientific Name
Marah macrocarpa Greene
Family
Cucurbitaceae
General
A perennial vine that typically climbs over other plants. It bears numerous small white flowers and distinctive spikey fruits. Know as a fire-follower.
CI
Common around CSUCI, but observed in a variety of habitats from fairly shaded to very open.
Flowering occurs as early as December, but is typically later. Flowering year-round if water is provided.
References
See this species on CalFlora.
The Jepson Manual (2012: 680, Cucurbitaceae by John M. Miller and Robert L. Schlising).
Dale (2000: 104).
McAuley 1996 (324).
Marah macrocarpa, flowers on hillside above Malibu Hall, CI (5 March 2013).
Marah macrocarpa, flowers and foliage on hillside above Malibu Hall, CI (5 March 2013).
Marah-macrocarpus, flowers and foliage along pathway to east of University Glen, CI (25 December 2004).
Marah-macrocarpus, flowers on hillside to the south of University Glen, opposite of the tot-lot, CI (29 February 2008).
Marah-macrocarpus, mass of flowers on hillside to the south of University Glen, opposite of the tot-lot, CI (29 February 2008).
Marah-macrocarpus, flowers on hillside to the south of University Glen, opposite of the tot-lot, CI (29 February 2008).
Marah macrocarpus on hillside above entrance area to Camarillo Park, CI (5 February 2013).