species: Marah fabaceus
common name: wild cucumber
family: Curcurbitaceae
where & when encountered: Pinnacles NM, CA - 1998
Since the first time I saw this vine with spiny fruits growing in a wilderness setting, I have seen it in back yards, vacant lots, roadsides - and most notably - as the main pioneer plant reclaiming the scorched earth of the Thomas Fire (above).
Not sure I was even aware there was wild cucumber. Wonder if it tastes as good as conventional cucumber on sandwiches.
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