Sweet Potato Vine...Is it normal?

Discussion in 'Vines and Climbers' started by FloweringShrub, Dec 18, 2007.

  1. FloweringShrub

    FloweringShrub Member

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    I have a friend who planted a Sweet Potato vine from seeds & it grew, but never bloomed. She was digging it up to move it & found what looks like a very large potato with the roots. Neither of us has ever seen that before. It's purple in color & it's about the size of a canteloupe. Any ideas? Is it safe to eat?

    Thank you,

    Heather
     
  2. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Ipomoea batatas is the sweet potato plant that is grown for food and also has several cultivars grown for ornamental use. These cultivars also make tubers, which are edible, although may not be palatable.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potato

    UMASS Extension, University of Massachusetts Amherst
    http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/fact_sheets/specific_crops/newcrops.html
     

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