The fruit is a
capsule, more or less spherical with a pointed tip, and can be pubescent or
glabrous. The capsule turns brown when mature.
Each capsule
contains from one to four seeds that are slightly flattened on one side and
convex on the other. Seed shape can be irregular, slightly angular or
rounded; the colour ranges from brown to black; and the size is approximately 3
mm. The embryo and the endosperm are protected by a thick-walled, very
hard and impermeable testa. Seed germination is difficult and requires
scarification by mechanical abrasion or chemical treatment. Sweetpotato
seeds do not have a dormancy period but maintain their viability for many years.
Source: Huaman, Z. Systemic botany and
morphology of the sweetpotato plant. Technical Information Bulletin 25.
International Potato Centre, Lima, Peru. 22 p.
