Bigroot, California manroot
Marah fabaceus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

Marah fabaceus is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Banks and slopes below 750 metres in coastal strand and mixed evergreen forests.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Used as a vegetable. We do not know if the fruit, root or the leaves are used.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The crushed seeds, mixed with oil, have been rubbed on the hair to prevent baldness.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

How it is grown

Requires a rich soil and abundant moisture. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A climbing plant, supporting itself by means of tendrils.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in pots of rich soil in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 weeks at 20°c. Put 2 or 3 seeds in each pot and thin to the best plant. Grow on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The root is said to be poisonous to fish. We have no reports as to whether or not it is toxic to mammals.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Echinocystis fabacea. Naudin.