444 FIELD CROPS 



THE SWEET POTATO 



582. Origin and Description. The sweet potato is a 

 native of the New World and quite probably also of eastern 

 Asia, as it was cultivated in China in early times. It was 

 not known in Europe till after the discovery of America. 

 The edible portion is a true root, one of the few which are 

 used as food. The plant is a member of the Convulvulaceae 



Fig. 137. Five varieties of sweet potatoes: 1, Black Spanish or "Nigger 

 Choker;" 2, Long, cylindrical type; 3, Jersey group, spindle shape; 4, Red 

 Bermuda; 5, Southern Queen. The last three are most desirable in shape. 



or morning-glory family; the species is Ipomea batatas. The 

 plant produces numerous running vines several feet in length, 

 with smooth, shining leaves about the shape and size of those 

 of a morning-glory. The edible roots are produced in a 

 cluster just beneath the surface of the ground. Sweet pota- 

 toes are reproduced from sprouts from the roots or from cut- 

 tings of the vines, and not from seed. 



