We Have a ‘Where in the Conejo’ Contest Winner: Elise Wilson!
The February 1 “Where in the Conejo” photo was of a decaying wild cucumber (Marah
macrocarpa) seedpod. Of the correct entrants, Elise was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations, Elise, and thanks to all who entered the contest!
The wild cucumber, which is also known as manroot (see photo of a recently excavated root), is a Southern California native perennial. The vine dies back in the fall and is one of first plants to sprout in winter.
It’s not unusual to see its delicate white blossoms and distinctive curly tendrils appear in January. Blooms continue through April and are followed by prickly green seedpods, which then dry out and fall to the ground, where they pop open, dispersing seeds.
Although wild cucumber is related to squash and cultivated cucumbers, the fruits are not edible. It grows in oak woodlands and chaparral; you will find it widespread throughout the Conejo Open Space. One place you can spot it is along the Felton and Los Robles Trails, as shown on our new guide (click the image to open the PDF guide that you can download and take with you).
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