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Although the common name of "potato" is used for all three of these plants, each one is a different species and from different plant families.
The common, white or Irish potato is in the nightshade family, whose scientific name is Solanum tuberosum.
The yellowish colored sweet potato is in the morning glory family, whose scientific name is Ipomea batatas.
The reddish colored yam is a species of Dioscorea which is in the same family as Wild Yam, all of which conatin varying amounts of diosgenin, a precursor of progesterone used to make contrceptive pills and steroids.
Most people who work in produce departments in food markets do not know the difference between sweet potatoes and yams. The taste is also very similar.
In peace, Roy
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