Sweet Potato

(Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as Sweet Potato, is a perennial herb or vine that is typically grown as an annual in cultivation. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America. Sweet Potato is part of the Convolvulaceae family, known for species like bindweed and morning glory. It is renowned for its large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots, which are a staple food crop worldwide. The plant has a sprawling growth habit with heart-shaped or palmately lobed leaves and medium-sized sympetalous flowers. While some varieties are ornamental and may flower consistently, others rarely or never produce flowers. When they do bloom, the flowers are typically lavender to purple-lavender, with a darker throat, although white-flowered varieties exist. The flowers open in the early morning and close a few hours later.

Sweet Potato is valued for its edible roots and is widely cultivated in home gardens and on commercial farms. It is also used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. The tuberous roots come in a variety of colors and are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In cultivation, Sweet Potato requires full sun and warm temperatures, thriving in conditions that mimic its native tropical habitat. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.5–7.0 and can tolerate some soil fertility variations. While it needs consistent moisture, especially during the early growth stages, it is susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. Sweet Potato is relatively pest-resistant, reducing the need for pesticides. It is also known for its ability to grow in marginal soils with minimal fertilizer, making it a sustainable crop choice.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 8-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Central and South America

Other Names

Common Names: Sweetpotato , Batat , Batatera , Süßkartoffel , Batate , 고구마 , 甘藷;地瓜

Scientific Names: Ipomoea batatas , Ipomoea variabilis , Ipomoea fastigiata , Convolvulus batatas , Batatas edulis , Ipomoea tiliacea var. merremioides , Ipomoea tabascana , Ipomoea indica var. variabilis , Ipomoea batatas var. edulis , Ipomoea vulsa

GBIF Accepted Name: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.