Ipomoea batatas - Flora of Qatar

Batatas batatas, Batatas edulis, Batatas glaucifolius, Batatas wallii, Batatas xanthorhiza, Convolvulus acuminatus, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus candicans, Convolvulus chrysorhizus, Convolvulus cordatifolius, Convolvulus cordifolius, Convolvulus edulis, Convolvulus esculentus, Convolvulus essequebensis, Convolvulus glaucifolius, Convolvulus macrorhizus, Convolvulus panduratus, Convolvulus platanifolius, Convolvulus roseus, Convolvulus scaber, Convolvulus septangularis, Convolvulus tuberifer, Convolvulus tuberosus, Convolvulus varius, Ipomoea alba, Ipomoea candicans, Ipomoea catesbaei, Ipomoea davidsoniae, Ipomoea edulis, Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea glaucifolia, Ipomoea mucronata, Ipomoea purpusii, Ipomoea scabra, Ipomoea vulsa, Ipomoea wallii, Pharbitis forskoeli, Tirtalia pandurata

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Its large, starchy, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots are a root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens. Ipomoea batatas is native to the tropical regions in America. Of the approximately 50 genera and more than 1,000 species of Convolvulaceae, I. batatas is the only crop plant of major importance—some others are used locally, but many are poisonous. The sweet potato is only distantly related to the potato (Solanum tuberosum) and does not belong to the nightshade family.[+]

The genus Ipomoea that contains the sweet potato also includes several garden flowers called morning glories, though that term is not usually extended to Ipomoea batatas. Some cultivars of Ipomoea batatas are grown as ornamental plants; the name tuberous morning glory may be used in a horticultural context.

The plant is a herbaceous perennial vine, bearing alternate heart-shaped or palmately lobed leaves and medium-sized sympetalous flowers. The edible tuberous root is long and tapered, with a smooth skin whose color ranges between yellow, orange, red, brown, purple, and beige. Its flesh ranges from beige through white, red, pink, violet, yellow, orange, and purple. Sweet potato varieties with white or pale yellow flesh are less sweet and moist than those with red, pink or orange flesh.

AI-generated Description

Ipomoea batatas, also known as sweet potato, is a vining plant native to the Americas. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing wild in some areas, particularly in coastal regions and agricultural fields. Research suggests that I. batatas was introduced to Qatar through human activity, possibly as an ornamental or food crop. Studies have reported its presence in various parts of the country, including the northeastern coast and inland areas, where it often grows as a weed in disturbed habitats. The plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's hot and dry climate is likely due to its deep roots and drought-tolerant properties. However, its spread can also outcompete native vegetation and potentially impact local ecosystems.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Ipomoea batatas in Qatar reveal the plant's presence in various areas of Doha. Flowers were spotted on Al Sham Street in West Bay on November 27, 2014, and again on February 4, 2016. A shoot was also observed on Al Sham Street on November 27, 2014. In the Al Lejbailat area, leaves of cultivated sweet potato were seen on Al Muhandiseen Street on February 25, 2016. Additionally, a field of cultivated Ipomoea batatas was found in a small kitchen garden on the same street, indicating that the plant is being intentionally grown in some areas. The sightings suggest that Ipomoea batatas can thrive in Qatar's environment, at least in cultivated settings. The plant's ability to flower and produce shoots and leaves in different locations and times of year is notable.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.

Synonyms