Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)

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Ipomoea batatas
(L.) Lam., Convolvulaceae
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Present on Pacific Islands?  yes

Primarily a threat at high elevations?  no

Risk assessment results:  Low risk (based on second screen), score: 2 (Go to the risk assessment)

Other Latin names:  Convolvulus batatas L.

Common name(s): [more details]

Chamorro: kamote

Chinese: fan shu

Chuukese: kómwu, kómwuti, kómwuutiy, omwuti, sachúmayimwo, yomwuutiy

English: kumara, kuumara, sweet potato, yam

Fijian: kawai ni vavalangi, kumala, kumara, ndambithi, wa uvi

French: patate douce

Hawaiian: ‘uala, ‘wala

I-Kiribati: te kumara, te kumari

Japanese: satsuma imo

Korean: goguma, ko gu ma

Kwara‘ae: butete

Mangarevan: cumara, puai

Maori (Cook Islands): kūara, kūmala, kūmara, ku‘ara, kumara

Marshallese: biteto, juweet potato, piteto

Niuean: kumara, simala, timala

Other: gumala, kumara, oumera, tek

Palauan: emutii

Pohnpeian: pedehde, satumaimo

Pukapukan: kūmala

Samoan: ‘umala, umala

Satawalese: kamote, komote

Spanish: batata, boniato, camote, papa dulce

Tahitian: ‘umara, umara

Thai: man thet

Tokelauan: kumala

Tongan: kumala, kumara

Tuvaluan: kumala, kumara

Ulithian: komoti

Vietnamese: khoai lang, khoai mon

Wallisian: kumala

Woleaian: gamwuutiy

Yapese: gamuti, kamuut

Habit:  vine

Description:  "Creeping vine with milky sap, glabrous or pubescent, with enlarged tuberous edible roots; leaves ovate-orbicular, entire or palmately 3-7-lobed or -parted, cordate or subcordate, 4-15 cm long, 3-11 cm wide, on petioles commonly 3-15 cm long; flowers several to many in long-peduncled cymes; calyx-lobes briefly mucronate, about 10-15 mm long; corolla usually pale rose-violet, rarely albino, 3-5 cm long; darker (purplish) in the throat; ovary mostly pubescent; fruit a capsule"  (Stone, 1970; p. 491).

Habitat/ecology:  In Hawai‘i, "a Polynesian introduction, escaping cultivation and persisting near abandoned homesites and dumps" (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 555). In Fiji, "cultivated at elevations from near sea level to about 800 m and sometimes naturalized (up to 1,050 m) near cultivated areas, along roadsides, and in thickets along rivers and streams" (Smith, 1991; pp. 66-67). In New Caledonia, "on la rencontre en forêt ou dans des fourré secondaires près du littoral, sur schistes ou calcaires" (Heine, 1984; pp. 57-58).

Propagation:  Seed

Native range:  Cultivated worldwide, widely naturalized in tropics, origin neotropics (perhaps Mexico) but native range obscure (GRIN).

Presence:

Pacific
Country/Terr./St. &
Island group
Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction?
Reference &
Comments
American Samoa
Swain's Island
Swain's Island introduced
cultivated
Whistler, W. A. (1983) (p. 9)
American Samoa
Tutuila Islands
Tutuila Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
Setchell, William Albert (1924) (p. 57)
Chile (offshore islands)
Juan Fernández Islands
Isla Más a Tierra (Robinson Crusoe Island) introduced
invasive
cultivated
Atkinson, Rachel/Sawyer, John (2011)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Agrigan (Agrihan) Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Agrigan (Agrihan) Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Falanruw, M. V. C./Sachet, M.-H. (1975) (p. 37)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Alamagan Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Alamagan Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Falanruw, M. V. C./Sachet, M.-H. (1975) (p. 37)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Pagan Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Pagan Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Falanruw, M. V. C./Sachet, M.-H. (1975) (p. 37)
Vouchers cited: Fosberg 31357 (US), Anderson 595 (US, BISH,Fo), Anderson 596 (US, BISH, Fo)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Rota Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Sarigan Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Sarigan Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Falanruw, M. V. C./Sachet, M.-H. (1975) (p. 37)
Voucher cited: Evans 2422 (US, BISH, Fo, NY)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Northern Mariana Islands
Tinian Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Saipan
Saipan Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
Cook Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Manihiki Atoll introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Nassau Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Pukapuka Atoll introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Rakahanga Atoll introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Northern Cook Islands
Suwarrow (Taka) Atoll introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
‘Atiu Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
Mangaia Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
Ma‘uke Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
Miti‘aro Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
Palmerston (Avarau) Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Cook Islands
Southern Cook Islands
Rarotonga Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
McCormack, Gerald (2013)
Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)
Floreana Group
Floreana Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Charles Darwin Foundation (2008)
Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)
Isabela Group
Isabela Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Charles Darwin Foundation (2008)
Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)
Isabela Group
Volcán Sierra Negra, Isabela Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Charles Darwin Foundation (2008)
Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)
San Cristóbal Group
San Cristóbal Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Charles Darwin Foundation (2008)
Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)
Santa Cruz Group
Santa Cruz Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Charles Darwin Foundation (2008)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Fefan Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Murilo (Mwiriné) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Namoluk (Nómwunuuk) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Nomwin (Nómwiin) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Puluwat (Pwonowót) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Manner, H. I./Mallon, E. (1989) (p. 56)
Voucher cited: Manner & Mallon 254 (GUAM), Manner & Mallon 260 (GUAM)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Satawan Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Chuuk Islands
Weno (Moen) Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Kosrae Island
Kosrae Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Kosrae Island
Kosrae Island introduced
cultivated
Lorence, David H./Flynn, Timothy (2010) (p. 15)
Federated States of Micronesia
Pohnpei Islands
Pohnpei Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Pohnpei Islands
Pohnpei Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Glassman, S. F. (1952) (p. 99)
Federated States of Micronesia
Pohnpei Islands
Pohnpei Island introduced
cultivated
Herrera, Katherine/Lorence, David H./Flynn, Timothy/Balick, Michael J. (2010) (p. 80)
Voucher cited: L. Stemmermann 6602 (BISH)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Eauripik Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Fais Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Fais Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Evans, M. (1969) (p. 12)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 46662 (US)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Faraulep (Faraulap) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Ifalik (Ifaluk) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Lamotrek Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Satawal Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Satawal Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R. (1969) (p. 10)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 46866 (US)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Ulithi Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Woleai Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Yap (Waqab) Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Federated States of Micronesia
Yap Islands
Yap (Waqab) Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1948) (voucher ID: PTBG 23290)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
Fiji
Fiji Islands
Lakemba Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Smith, Albert C. (1991) (p. 67)
Voucher cited: Garnock-Jones 882
Fiji
Fiji Islands
Viti Levu Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Smith, Albert C. (1991) (p. 67)
Vouchers cited: Greenwood 256; Smith 4057, Smith 4740, Smith 9077, DA 1208, DA 2714, DA 6092
French Polynesia
Gambier Islands
Akamaru Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Gambier Islands
Aukena Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Gambier Islands
Mangareva (Gambier) Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Gambier Islands
Mangareva (Gambier) Island introduced
cultivated
St. John, Harold (1988) (p. 22)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 11007 (BISH)
French Polynesia
Gambier Islands
Taravai Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Eiao Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Fatu Hiva Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Fatu Hiva Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Hatuta'a (Hatutu) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Hiva Oa Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Hiva Oa Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Hiva Oa Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1975) (voucher ID: PTBG 8400)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Hiva Oa Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2002) (voucher ID: PTBG 41419)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Mohotani (Mohotane, Mohotane) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Nuku Hiva (Nukahiva) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Nuku Hiva (Nukahiva) Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Voucher cited: J. Florence 8518 (PAP)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Tahuata (Tuhuata) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2004) (voucher ID: PTBG 42071)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Ua Huka (Huahuna, Uahuka) Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (2004) (voucher ID: PTBG 42364)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
French Polynesia
Marquesas Islands
Ua Pou (Huapu, Uapou, Uapu) Island introduced
abo. intro.
Lorence, David H./Wagner, Warren L. (2013)
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Maupiti (Maurua) Island introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, M.-H. (1987) (p. 58)
Vouchers cited: Morris 34 (US), Fosberg 64852 (US), Fosberg & Sachet 64967 (US)
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Moorea Island   University of California (2006)
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Moorea Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Voucher cited: J. Florence 4807 (PAP)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Raiatea (Havai) Island introduced
invasive
abo. intro.
Welsh, S. L. (1998) (pp. 84-85)
Vouchers cited: Moore 369, Moore 370, Moore 432, BRY 25731
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Raiatea (Havai) Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Voucher cited: J. Florence 3503 (PAP)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Tahiti Island   Fosberg, F. R. (1997) (p. 31)
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Tahiti Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Society Islands
Tetiaroa Atoll introduced
cultivated
Sachet, M.-H./Fosberg, F. R. (1983) (p. 65)
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Hao (Hau) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Makatea (Ma‘atea) Island introduced
cultivated
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Manihi Atoll introduced
Sachet, M-H. (1983) (p. 34)
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Niau Atoll introduced
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Voucher cited: J. Florence 10151 (PAP)
Subspontanée
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Raro‘ia Atoll introduced
cultivated
Doty, Maxwell S. (1954) (p. 39)
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Raro‘ia Atoll introduced
cultivated
Meyer, Jean-Yves/Fourdrigniez, Marie (2008) (p. 14)
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Takapoto Atoll introduced
cultivated
Sachet, M-H. (1983) (p. 34)
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Tepoto Nord Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Tikehau (Tikahau) Atoll introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Tuamotu Archipelago
Toau (Tovau) Atoll introduced
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Voucher cited: J. Florence 10226 (PAP)
Subspontané
French Polynesia
Austral (Tubuai) Islands
Rurutu Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
French Polynesia
Austral (Tubuai) Islands
Tubuai Island introduced
invasive
Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013)
Naturalisée
Guam
Guam Island
Guam Island introduced
abo. intro.
Stone, Benjamin C. (1970) (p. 491)
Guam
Guam Island
Guam Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 222)
State of Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
Hawai‘i (Big) Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Wagner, Warren L./Herbst, Derral R./Sohmer, S. H. (1999) (p. 555)
State of Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
Kaua‘i Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Wagner, Warren L./Herbst, Derral R./Sohmer, S. H. (1999) (p. 555)
State of Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
Maui Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Oppenheimer, Hank L. (2003) (p. 10)
West Maui. Oppenheimer H79806 (BISH), Oppenheimer H10130 (BISH, PTBG)
Escaping and persisting from cultivation.
State of Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
O‘ahu Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
Wagner, Warren L./Herbst, Derral R./Sohmer, S. H. (1999) (p. 555)
Kiribati
Line Islands
Caroline Atoll introduced
cultivated
Kepler, Angela K./Kepler, Cameron B. (1994) (p. 36)
Kiribati
Line Islands
Teraina (Washington) Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Wester, Lyndon (1985) (p. 29)
Kiribati
Tungaru (Gilbert) Islands
Marakei Atoll   Wagner, W. L./ Herbst, D. R./Weitzman, A./Lorence, D.H. (2013)
Kiribati
Tungaru (Gilbert) Islands
Tarawa Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Ailinglaplap (Ailinglapalap) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Ebon (Epoon) Atoll   Wagner, W. L./ Herbst, D. R./Weitzman, A./Lorence, D.H. (2013)
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Jaluit (Jãlwõj) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Jaluit (Jãlwõj) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, M.-H. (1962) (p. 31)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 26748 (US)
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Kili (Kõle) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Vander Velde, Nancy/Vander Velde, Brian (2006) (p. 7)
"Rare; few plants in Bikini Projects garden".
Marshall Islands
Ralik Chain
Kwajalein (Kuwajleen) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Arno Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Arno Atoll   Anderson, Donald (1951) (p. iii)
Voucher cited: Anderson 3784
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Arno Atoll introduced
cultivated
Vander Velde, Nancy/Vander Velde, Brian (2007) (p. 7)
"Uncommon; planted in Reimers' garden".
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Likiep Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Likiep Atoll introduced
invasive
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R. (1955) (p. 17)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 27038 (US)
Persisting from cultivation.
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Majuro (Mãjro) Atoll introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Majuro (Mãjro) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Vander Velde, Nancy (2003) (p. 84)
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Majuro (Mãjro) Atoll introduced
cultivated
St. John, Harold (1951) (p. 285)
Voucher cited: St. John 21414 (BISH)
Rare
Marshall Islands
Ratak Chain
Mili (Mile) Atoll introduced
cultivated
Vander Velde, Nancy/Vander Velde, Brian (2010) (p. A13)
Rare; planted in private yard, oceanside of Mili, private yard of Nallo, also reported to have been planted by Japanese; possibly also planted by Globe rescuers in 1825 (although may have been more standard Irish-type potatoes).
Nauru
Nauru Island
Nauru Island introduced
cultivated
Thaman, R. R./Fosberg, F. R./Manner, H. I./Hassall, D. C. (1994) (p. 117)
New Caledonia
Îles Loyauté (Loyalte Islands)
Île Maré introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
MacKee, H. S. (1994) (pp. 40-41)
Voucher cited: Baumann 14592
Spontané
New Caledonia
Îles Loyauté (Loyalte Islands)
Îles Ouvéa (Ouvea Atoll) introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
MacKee, H. S. (1994) (pp. 40-41)
Vouchers cited: Däniker 2372, Pradee in Veillon 1239 (NOU)
New Caledonia
New Caledonia Archipelago
Île Grande Terre introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
MacKee, H. S. (1994) (pp. 40-41)
Vouchers cited: Vieillard 1009, Pancher s.n., MacKee 17611, MacKee 20835, MacKee 22575, MacKee 33901
Spontané
New Caledonia
New Caledonia Archipelago
Île des Pins (Isle of Pines) introduced
invasive
cultivated
abo. intro.
MacKee, H. S. (1994) (pp. 40-41)
Voucher cited: Baumann 13662
Spontané
New Caledonia
New Caledonia Archipelago
Île Ouen introduced
cultivated
abo. intro.
MacKee, H. S. (1994) (pp. 40-41)
Voucher cited: Bourret 2293 (NOU)
New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea)
New Guinea Island
New Guinea Island   Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
New Zealand (offshore islands)
Kermadec Islands
Raoul Island introduced
invasive
Sykes, W. R. (1977) (p. 98)
New Zealand (offshore islands)
Kermadec Islands
Raoul Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Webb, C. J./Sykes, W. R./Garnock-Jones, P. J. (1988) (p. 558)
"An occasional escape from cultivation".
Niue
Niue
Niue Island introduced
abo. intro.
Sykes, W. R. (1970) (p. 72)
Vouchers cited: CHR 169785, CHR 169793
Niue
Niue
Niue Island introduced
cultivated
Yuncker, T. G. (1943) (pp. 98-99)
Voucher cited: Yuncker 9667 (BISH)
Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group)
Angaur (Ngeaur) Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group)
Babeldaob Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Oliver, Royce (1979) (p. 223)
Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group)
Kayangel (Ngcheangel) Island   Wagner, W. L./ Herbst, D. R./Weitzman, A./Lorence, D.H. (2013)
Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group)
Koror (Oreor) Island   Beleu National Museum (Republic of Palau. Koror.) (1966) (voucher ID: BNM 278)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas
Palau
Palau (Belau ) (main island group)
Peleliu (Beliliou) Island   Wagner, W. L./ Herbst, D. R./Weitzman, A./Lorence, D.H. (2013)
Papua New Guinea
Bismarck Archipelago
Bismarck Archipelago introduced
cultivated
Peekel, P. G. [translated by E. E. Henty] (1984) (p. 463)
Cultivated for the edible tuber.
Philippines
Philippine Islands
Philippine Islands introduced
cultivated
Merrill, Elmer D. (1923) (p. 364)
Cultivated.
Pitcairn Islands
Pitcairn Islands
Pitcairn Island introduced
St. John, H. (1987) (p. 47)
Voucher cited: Fosberg & R. Clark 11325
Samoa
Western Samoa Islands
Savai‘i Island   National Tropical Botanical Garden (U.S.A. Hawaii. Kalaheo.) (1994) (voucher ID: PTBG 41640)
Taxon name on voucher: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands introduced
cultivated
Whitmore, T. C. (1969) (p. 264)
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands introduced
invasive
cultivated
Hancock, I. R./Henderson, C. P. (1988) (p. 83)
Tonga
Tonga Islands
Tonga Islands introduced
cultivated
Yuncker, T. G. (1959) (p. 225)
"Cultivated throughout Tonga".
Tonga
Tongatapu Group
Tongatapu Island   Ellison, Joanna C. (1990) (p. 28)
On outlier islet of Ata.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu (Ellis) Islands
Nui Atoll   Woodroffe, C. D. (1985) (p. 14)
Voucher cited: Woodroffe 192 (CHR)
Tuvalu
Tuvalu (Ellis) Islands
Tuvalu Islands   Unknown (year unknown)
United States (other Pacific offshore islands)
Midway Atoll
Sand Island introduced
cultivated
Starr, Forest/Starr, Kim/Loope, Lloyd (2008) (pp. B-9)
United States (other Pacific offshore islands)
Wake Islands
Wake Island introduced
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R. (1959) (p. 17)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 34449
Persisting but rare in 1952.
United States (other Pacific offshore islands)
Wake Islands
Wake Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, M.-H. (1969) (p. 13)
Not seen in 1961 or 1963.
United States (other Pacific offshore islands)
Wake Islands
Wake Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Fosberg, F. R. (1955) (p. 17)
Voucher cited: Fosberg 34449 (US)
Persisting from cultivation.
Pacific Rim
Country/Terr./St. &
Island group
Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction?
Reference &
Comments
Central America
Central America (Pacific rim)
Honduras (Republic of)   Holm, Leroy/Pancho, Juan V./Herberger, James P./Plucknett, Donald L. (1979) (p. 193)
China
China
China (People's Republic of) introduced
cultivated
Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
Cultivated throughout China, sometimes persisting from cultivation, but doubtfully naturalized.
China
China
Hong Kong introduced
cultivated
Wu, Te-lin (2001) (p. 222)
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia (Republic of)   Holm, Leroy/Pancho, Juan V./Herberger, James P./Plucknett, Donald L. (1979) (p. 193)
Japan
Ryukyu Islands
Ryukyu Islands   Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia (country of)   Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico (United Mexican States) native
U.S. Dept. Agr., Agr. Res. Serv. (2013)
Veracruz
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore (Republic of) introduced
invasive
Chong, Kwek Yan/Tan, Hugh T. W./Corlett, Richard T. (2009) (p. 51)
Casual
Taiwan
Taiwan Island
Taiwan Island   Holm, Leroy/Pancho, Juan V./Herberger, James P./Plucknett, Donald L. (1979) (p. 193)
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand (Kingdom of)   Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam (Socialist Republic of)   Zhengyi, Wu/Raven, Peter H./Deyuan, Hong (2013)
Indian Ocean
Country/Terr./St. &
Island group
Location Cited status &
Cited as invasive &
Cited as cultivated &
Cited as aboriginal introduction?
Reference &
Comments
Australia (Indian Ocean offshore islands)
Christmas Island Group
Christmas Island introduced
cultivated
Swarbrick, J. T. (1997) (p. 116)
Naturalized
British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago
Diego Garcia Island   Stoddart, D. R./Taylor, J. D., eds. (1971) (p. 156)
"Recorded by Bourne (Hemsley 1884, p. 334)".
British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago
Diego Garcia Island introduced
cultivated
Whistler, W. Arthur (1996) (p. 33)
British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago
Diego Garcia Island introduced
invasive
cultivated
Rivers, Julie (2004) (pp. 3, 7)
Maldives
Maldive Islands
Maldive Islands   Fosberg, F. R. (1957) (p. 31)
"Throughout whole group".
Maldives
Maldive Islands
Malè Atoll   Fosberg, F. R. (1957) (p. 31)
Seychelles
Seychelles Islands
Agalega Island introduced
Fosberg, F. R./Sachet, Marie-Hélène/Stoddart, D. R. (1983) (p. 118)
Seychelles
Seychelles Islands
Frégate Island   Robertson, S. A./Todd, D. M. (1983) (p. 49)
Seychelles
Seychelles Islands
Marie-Louise Island   Wilson, J. R. (1983) (p. 190)
Seychelles
Seychelles Islands
Seychelles Islands introduced
Invasive Species Specialist Group (2017)

Comments:  Ipomoea batatas is a early introduction throughout the Pacific. The above lists documented locations, but it is undoubtedly present on many more islands.

Introduced and naturalized in undisturbed habitats in the Galápagos Islands.

Control:  If you know of control methods for Ipomoea batatas, please let us know.


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This page was created on 22 JUN 2004 and was last updated on 13 MAY 2013.