invasion of the body snatchers

[lightgy]

Went partially up today. Turned around at about the 4000' level. as I dropped into the side of the canyon, I noticed that many of the shrubs were infested with a vine that strange had looking pods. The green pods were 4"-6" long and 3-4" wide covered with spikes. Has anyone seen these before. I kinda got the "willies". They made think of the pod and the pod people from " The Invasion of the Body Snatchers". I took a picture, but am not sure I can post properly. ( I'm computer challenged.)

[greg]

Wild cucumber.

Here's a picture.

http://natureshutterbug.com/wordpress/2 ... k-reserve/ (Scroll down the page.)

Here's another one.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-2 ... 9j8PodltiA

Finally, a reason to post.

[lightgy]

Thanks, Greg. for the info. The fruit is very bizarre looking. I kinda like my original thought. The notion that the trail is infested with Pod People helps me generate a little speed through that section of the trail

[greg]

You are welcome. My reaction upon seeing it for the first time was something that extreme looking had to be poisonous, and not an escaped garden vegetable. Reminds me of domestic pigs that grow dark brown hair in the wild.

[lightgy]

Is it edible????

[neverwashasbeen]

Wild cucumbers are not considered edible, at least for humans.

[terrytyson]

They are also commonly known as "Manroot" due to the human-like appearance of the plant's root. And as neverwashasbeen indicated, it's not a good idea to even taste these puppies.

Apparently, rats can tolerate the bitter toxins in the plant.