Marah fabaceus var. fabaceus

Wild Cucumber is a climbing or trailing perennial vine, with very large tuberous root, called man-root, prickly fruits that looke similar to cucumbers, not edible, but used medicinally by the Native Californians, and the early California peoples (Mexican-Americans). Dies to the ground after fruiting, the man sized (actually the size of a leg) root helps this plant to survive the dry California summers. Not for formal gardens or cultivated gardens, Very untidy with all the dead vegetation in late summer. Best for restoration areas or out-of-the-way areas of native gardens. Grows in washes or under oaks.