Solanum tuberosum aka Potato

The potato, scientifically known as Solanum tuberosum, is a starchy root vegetable native to the Americas. It belongs to the nightshade family Solanaceae and is a perennial plant. Wild potato species can be found from the southern United States to southern Chile. The potato was believed to have been independently domesticated by Native Americans in multiple locations, but genetic studies later traced its single origin to present-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia. This domestication occurred approximately 7,000–10,000 years ago. Potatoes are closely related to some other cultivated species in the Andes region of South America. Potatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, they are a staple food in many parts of the world and play a crucial role in global food supply. With over 5,000 different varieties resulting from selective breeding, potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop. The majority of cultivated potatoes worldwide descend from varieties originating in south-central Chile. The importance of potatoes as a food source and culinary ingredient varies by region. They remain an essential crop in Europe, particularly Northern and Eastern Europe, while production has rapidly expanded in southern and eastern Asia, with China and India leading global production. Similar to tomatoes, potatoes belong to the Solanum genus and contain the toxin solanine in their vegetative and fruiting parts. Properly grown and stored potatoes have negligible amounts of glycoalkaloids, but exposure to light can cause green sections of the plant to accumulate high levels of glycoalkaloids, which can be harmful to human health. Described as a first early variety with excellent taste and high yields, potatoes are commonly enjoyed as new or salad potatoes straight from the ground. They have white skin and creamy-white flesh. Some varieties show resistance to scab, a common potato disease. Potatoes are a major staple food in numerous countries and are widely available in supermarkets. However, many plant lovers still choose to grow their own potatoes. Belonging to the Solanum genus, along with tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, potato plants have compound leaves arranged in a spiral and produce flowers in white, lavender, or purple hues. The underground stem forms structures called stolons, which enlarge to create the tubers we know as potatoes. Potatoes can thrive in various climates, and their care requirements vary accordingly.