Süsskartoffeln im Masoala Regenwald des Zoo Zürich

Sweet potato

Ipomoea batatas

As is typical of vine plants, the sweet potato plant cannot support itself. Its shoots, which can grow up to six meters long, crawl along the ground.

The sweet potato is related neither to the potato grown in Europe nor to the yam.

Sweet potatoes are propagated not by seeds, but by stem cuttings. The cuttings, which are about 30 centimeters long, are simply pressed into the humus. Depending on the variety and climate, it can take up to nine months before the tubers are ready to harvest. The tubers are thickened roots that can weigh up to three kilograms.

Distribution

Northern South America, Central America, and Mexico; today cultivated worldwide in all tropical regions

Use

The sweet potato is a staple food in many tropical regions. It has a higher carbohydrate content than the potato. In addition to the tubers, the leaves are also edible and are eaten as a vegetable. The non-edible parts of the plant are fed to livestock. Over 80 percent of the sweet potatoes produced worldwide are harvested in China.

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest
Distribution

Northern South America, Central America, and Mexico; today cultivated worldwide in all tropical regions

Use

The sweet potato is a staple food in many tropical regions. It has a higher carbohydrate content than the potato. In addition to the tubers, the leaves are also edible and are eaten as a vegetable. The non-edible parts of the plant are fed to livestock. Over 80 percent of the sweet potatoes produced worldwide are harvested in China.

Habitat at the zoo:

Masoala Rainforest
Back to overview