Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a species belonging to the Convolvulaceae family and is related to the field bindweed. This plant is native to South America, where it is cultivated by indigenous people. It is an annual species with a well-developed root system but thin roots. This species forms adventitious roots from the root ball which develop, thicken, and thus give rise to the edible part of the plant. The stem is similar to that of other plants in this family, it has many branches and the mechanical tissues are not well developed (creeping). The leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and ovate in shape. The flowers are large, white-purple.