Menonsa

Menonsa is a fictional plant species that appears in the novel "The Martian" by Andy Weir. It is described as a hardy, starchy root vegetable that is capable of growing in the harsh conditions of Mars. In the novel, the protagonist, Mark Watney, cultivates menonsa as a primary food source to survive his mission.

The plant is genetically engineered by the fictional Ares VI mission to be highly efficient in its use of water and nutrients, and to be resistant to radiation. Its appearance is not detailed, but it is implied to be a substantial crop, producing a significant yield that allows Watney to sustain himself for an extended period. The cultivation of menonsa is a key plot point, demonstrating Watney's ingenuity and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. The success of his menonsa farm is crucial to his eventual rescue. The scientific plausibility of menonsa is a subject of discussion among readers and science enthusiasts, highlighting the blend of hard science and speculative fiction in Weir's work.