Sweet potato is only distantly related to the common potato (Solanum tuberosum), both being in the order Solanales. Although darker sweet potatoes are often referred to as "yams" in parts of North America, the species is not a true yam, which are monocots in the order Dioscoreales.
What vegetables are in the same family as sweet potatoes?
Different plant families Sweet and regular potatoes are both considered root vegetables but are only distantly related. Sweet potatoes are from the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, and white potatoes are nightshades, or Solanaceae. The edible part of these plants are the tubers that grow on the roots.
What other foods are in the sweet potato family?
Regular baking potatoes come from the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and tomatillos. The sweet potato belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, whose other famous member is the Morning Glory flower. Yams are a tropical root native to Africa, and are members of the Dioscoreaceae family.
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