At the end of the growing season, the plant's leaves and stems die down to the soil level and its new tubers detach from their stolons. The tubers then serve as a nutrient store that allows the plant to survive the cold and later regrow and reproduce.
How did the potato evolve?
The story of potato started around 350 million years ago, when they started to evolve from the poisonous ancestor of the plant nightshade (this family of plants eventually evolved not only into potatoes, but also into tobacco, chili peppers, bell peppers and tomatoes).
How did the first potato grow?
Early colonists in Virginia and the Carolinas may have grown potatoes from seeds or tubers from Spanish ships, but the earliest certain potato crop in North America was brought to New Hampshire in 1719 from Derry. The plants were from Ireland, so the crop became known as the "Irish potato".
How did potatoes get around the world?
The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536, Spanish Conquistadors in Peru discovered the flavors of the potato and transported them to Europe.
Why do potatoes survive war?
It became “too expensive to engage in combat.” Additionally, potatoes had a good nutritional value and supported growing populations. They acted as a buffer for extreme weather conditions, such as cold weather and droughts. These extreme weather conditions can prompt a country to engage in war.
