The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. source
The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum.
The word "potato" may refer either to the plant itself or to the edible tuber. source
The word "potato" may refer either to the plant itself or to the edible tuber.
In the Andes, where the species is indigenous, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species. source
In the Andes, where the species is indigenous, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species.
Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region approximately four centuries ago. source
Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region approximately four centuries ago.
Wild potato species can be found throughout the Americas from the United States to southern Chile. source
Wild potato species can be found throughout the Americas from the United States to southern Chile.
Following centuries of selective breeding, there are now over a thousand different types of potatoes. source
Following centuries of selective breeding, there are now over a thousand different types of potatoes.
Over 99% of the presently cultivated potatoes worldwide descended from varieties that originated in the lowlands of south-central Chile, source
Over 99% of the presently cultivated potatoes worldwide descended from varieties that originated in the lowlands of south-central Chile,
The local importance of the potato is variable and changing rapidly. source
The local importance of the potato is variable and changing rapidly.
As of 2007 China led the world in potato production, and nearly a third of the world's potatoes were harvested in China and India. source
As of 2007 China led the world in potato production, and nearly a third of the world's potatoes were harvested in China and India.
The English word potato comes from Spanish patata (the name used in Spain). source
The English word potato comes from Spanish patata (the name used in Spain).
The Spanish Royal Academy says the Spanish word is a compound of the TaĆno batata and the Quechua papa (potato). source
The Spanish Royal Academy says the Spanish word is a compound of the TaĆno batata and the Quechua papa (potato).
Potatoes are occasionally referred to as "Irish potatoes" or "white potatoes" in the United States, to distinguish them from sweet potatoes. source
Potatoes are occasionally referred to as "Irish potatoes" or "white potatoes" in the United States, to distinguish them from sweet potatoes.
The name spud for a small potato comes from the digging of soil (or a hole) prior to the planting of potatoes. source
The name spud for a small potato comes from the digging of soil (or a hole) prior to the planting of potatoes.
After flowering, potato plants produce small green fruits that resemble green cherry tomatoes, each containing about 300 seeds. source
After flowering, potato plants produce small green fruits that resemble green cherry tomatoes, each containing about 300 seeds.
There are about 5,000 potato varieties worldwide. source
There are about 5,000 potato varieties worldwide.
The world dedicated 18.6 million hectares in 2010 for potato cultivation. source
The world dedicated 18.6 million hectares in 2010 for potato cultivation.