Family: Convolvulaceae

‘Uala is a rambling vine full of heart-shaped leaves which vary in color from green to purple. The tubers (sweet potatoes) can be yellow, orange, or purple inside. ‘Uala was brought by the Polynesian settlers and was an essential staple in Hawaiian life. It was widely planted in dry areas, and ancient terraces remain in some undisturbed areas.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Erosion control
• Medicinal

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Congeneric weeds exist
  
• Host for pests/pathogens
  
• Tolerates wide soil range
  
• Climbing/smothering growth
  
• Tuberous roots (vegetative regeneration)
  
• Dispersed unintentionally (dumps, discarded material)
  
• Tolerates mutilation, fire, and cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a weed in Hawaii (garden, ag, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic (edible)
  
• Not shade tolerant
  
• Seed production rare
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• No wind, bird, or animal dispersal
  
• No persistent seed bank