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The New Zealand Kumara or sweet potato

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Abstract

The varieties of kumara (sweet potato,Ipomoea batatas (Linn.) Poir.) being grown by the Maoris of the North Island of New Zealand are described and classed as Maori (pre-European) or European introductions. While the number of varieties is small compared with that claimed for the early Maori, it appears from the historical evidence that the variation in pre-European stocks was limited compared with that found elsewhere in the species.

The New Zealand varieties have not been induced to flower, but varieties from the Pacific Islands, southeast Asia and South America have flowered in New Zealand, and some Peruvian varieties have set seed. The interaction of climate and variety in the manifestation of sexual reproduction in the species is considered in relation to an alternative explanation for the large number of varieties attributed to the pre-European Maori.

Economic characters exhibited in the New Zealand varieties could form a useful basis for a plant improvement programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Crop Research Division, Otahuhu, New Zealand

    D. E. Yen

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  1. D. E. Yen
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Yen, D.E. The New Zealand Kumara or sweet potato. Econ Bot 17, 31–45 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02985351

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