Ubi Keledek

Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

It is also known as Camote (Spanish, Mexico), camote de bejuco (Spanish, Mexico), chinin ak (Maya, Mexico), fan shu (Pinyin, China), iis (Maya, Guatemala), isaki (Maya, Guatemala), iz (Maya, Mexico), om (Maya, Guatemala), on (Maya, Guatemala), sakarkanda haser (सकरकनद हासेर) (Birhor, India, Jharkhand), Yam (English, United States), yashal chinzak (Maya, Mexico) or शकरकंद (Hindi, India, Jharkhand).

A) Taxonomical info

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Solanales

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Species: Ipomoea batatas

B. Morphological / distribution/ habitat info 

Morphology

The sweet potato plant has long stems that grow along the ground, with different shaped leaves and small pink or purple flowers. The part we eat is the big, thick root, which is full of starch. These roots come in colors like white, purple, and orange (the orange ones are extra healthy because they have a lot of carotene). To grow them well, you need light, sandy soil and four to five months of warm weather, and they are planted using sprouts from the roots or pieces of the vine ((The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998).

Distribution

The sweet potato originated in the tropical Americas, its current global distribution is overwhelmingly dominated by Asia, with China alone producing more than half the world's supply. The crop is also a critical staple food across Sub-Saharan Africa (in countries like Nigeria and Tanzania). Essentially, this warm-weather root vegetable is now cultivated widely across tropical and subtropical zones worldwide, valued for its high yields and role in global food security (R.J. Hijmans et al., 1999).

Habitat Info

Sweet potatoes are grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with the majority coming from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The ideal climate for growing sweet potatoes is warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 64°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C) (Joes,B, 2024).

C. Traditional Uses / TK-related info 

Primary Medicinal Applications 

The sweet potato is traditionally used to address major systemic issues, including regulating blood sugar (anti-diabetic activity), supporting cardiovascular health (reducing cholesterol), and acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. 

Whole-Body Benefits 

Traditional knowledge supports the use of sweet potato for a wide range of ailments, such as boosting immune function, promoting eye health (preventing macular degeneration), aiding digestive health (treating diarrhea), and supporting liver protection. 

Indigenous Knowledge (TK) 

Specific traditional practices, such as the Rongoa (Māori medicine) practice in New Zealand, use the leaves and vines for purposes unique to indigenous wisdom, including supporting women's reproductive health and boosting metabolism and mood. 

D. Any related scientific studies, such as ecology/ conservation status/threats/diversity 

• Threats

Climate change and pests

• IUCN status

Data deficient (DD)

• Exhibits high genetic diversity 

The diversity is concentrated in its ancestral home of Central and South America.