Vines appear in late winter in response to increased rainfall, and can climb or scramble to a length of 6 metres (20 ft).

[5] Vines emerge from a large, hard tuberous root which can reach several meters in length and weigh in excess of 100 kilograms (220 lb).

The fruit swells as it ripens until finally rupturing and releasing the large seeds.

Fruit begin to form in late winter and ripen by early summer.

[2] It grows by streams, in washes, and on slopes in chaparral and oak woodlands, at elevations up to 900 m (3,000 ft).

It emerges soon after winter rains begin, grows until late spring, and dies back completely in the heat and dryness of summer.

All parts of the plant have a bitter taste (this is the meaning of the genus name Marah, which comes from Hebrew).