Bathala

• Common Name In Sri Lanka:

  Bathala

• Scientific Name:

  Ipomoea batatas

• Other Names:

• Zone:

• Size of Tree:

  

  Small (< 5m)

• Status:

• Average Height:

  

  1 m

• Identification

  This plant is an herbaceous perennial vine. Its edible tuberous root is long and tapered.
  There are two varieties of sweet yam which are either yellow or red.

• Habitat

  Tropical regions

• Special Notes

  It is rich in starch, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and beta-carotene and also has other micronutrients including vitamins and manganese. The high concentration of glucose present in sweet yam makes it an excellent source of energy. It is also used in the treatment of hepatitis.