Sweet potato vine - Ipomoea batatas (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Sweet potato vine

Also known as: Kumara, Yam

While most assume that the sweet potato vine is a potato, it is not considered nightshade. However, sweet potatoes and potatoes both belong to the order of Solanales. Its culinary use is wide and can be fried, baked or boiled.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Early fall

Harvest Time

1.8 m to 3 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 3 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, Red, Purple

Leaf Color

3 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Red, Purple, Orange

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet potato vine

Distribution of Sweet potato vine

Distribution Map

Sweet potato vine is native to South America and North America. It is widely grown in Asia, Africa and Oceania. It is growing in sunny locations with disturbed soil. It is used as a food crop.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

A variety of soil types

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

Sweet potato is not only good feed, but also an important source of starch extraction. Sweet potato can be processed into a variety of products.

Garden Use

Sweet potato vine is generally grown in fields. Known mostly for its root vegetable produce, it also creates blooms that add beauty to the garden. This plant does very well as a ground cover plant because it has a wide spread. It also is used to create interest and visual appeal in multi-seasonal gardens because of its interesting foliage. It is a good fit for tropical or container gardens and is commonly planted with other trailing plants with attractive blooms, like petunias or trailing verbenas.

Symbolism

Simplicity, peace, reconciliation

Interesting Facts

Sweet potato vine flowers, which are mostly lilac and white, are the flowers on sweet potato vine vines. They resemble petunias, but are actually more fragrant than petunias. In sweet potato vine fields, such beautiful and lovely flowers are quite idyllic.

Name Story

Sweetpotato: Although in terms of botanical studies, this plant does not have any close relationship with potato, they both have one of the same common names. Originally, this plant is known as batata by indigenous Taino, and the Spanish have combined it with papa in Quechua word to create the name, patata which evolved into potato. As this plant tastes sweet, it is called sweetpotato.

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Toxicity

Sweet potato vine is toxic to cats and dogs, particularly its seeds. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary attention is essential in case of poisoning. Pet owners should prevent their pets from accessing sweet potato vine to avoid accidents.

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Quickly Identify Sweet potato vine

Heart-shaped to palmately lobed leaves up to 5 inches (13 cm) long.

Funnel-shaped white or purplish flowers in cymes, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide.

Small, black-seeded fruit in 5-8 mm capsules, quarter to a third of an inch long.

Prostrate or ascending stems up to 13 feet (4 meters) long, with milky juice.

Smooth-textured leaves with ovate-cordate to palmate shapes, spirally arranged.

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Care Guide for Sweet potato vine

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sweet potato vine thrives in warm, moist conditions, requiring consistent hydration and evenly moist soil. Water sweet potato vine twice a week for optimal health, especially during its active growing season. It flourishes outdoors in regions with natural rainfall, supporting its vigorous development.

Fertilize: Sweet potato vine benefits from a high-nitrogen fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season at half-strength to prevent root burn. Stop fertilizing in winter dormancy. Monitor soil health to avoid over-fertilization, ensuring even distribution and proper watering to aid nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Sweet potato vine is a fast-growing vining plant that thrives with regular pruning in early to late spring. This promotes bushier growth, enhances air circulation, and maintains health. Sterilize tools to prevent disease, while pruning also boosts ornamental appeal and encourages vigorous new growth.

Propagation: Sweet potato vine is an ornamental plant propagated mainly through cuttings, which root easily in water or moist soil. Selecting healthy vines with multiple leaf nodes is crucial for successful growth. Careful handling promotes robust rooting and consistent plant characteristics.

Repotting: Repot sweet potato vine every 2-3 years in spring to promote growth. Use a larger pot with good drainage for its tubers. After repotting, ensure sweet potato vine receives bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for optimal recovery and foliage health.

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Images of Sweet potato vine

Distribution of Sweet potato vine

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Sweet potato vine

Care Guide for Sweet potato vine

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