Question
QUESTION: I am going to live in Ecuador next year but on recent visits I found out they
are having trouble getting the yellow sweet potato known as Camote. We have
plenty of it here in Australia and wondered if you can get seeds anywhere so I
can take then to Ecuador and grow my own as I much prefer that type than
the common one they have there. In fact it's one of my favourite vegetables
along with Asparagus and Mushrooms. Can you buy seeds for Sweet Potato
and if not how are they propagated?

ANSWER: Dear Julie,
Potato plants start from the eyes of mature potatoes.  I think you need to check on the agriculture laws.  I can't give you details, but I'm sure it can be Googled somewhere.  Most countries have laws about transporting vegetation in and out of the country.  I literally met the agricultural minister of Israel at the airport at 4:00am checking for plants, fruits, etc.  I didn't have anything to declare, but the official was there, so.  I know since mushrooms are a fungus, that will be an issue to transport and asparagus grows from bulbs, so they may be an issue as well.
Check your country's laws and every country that you will stop in on the way to Ecuador.
I'm sorry I can't give specific regulations, but I do know I'm heading you in the right direction.  
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What do the eyes look like? I don't recall seeing them on any sweet potato and
am looking at one right now and unlike other potatoes it doesn't seem to have
any and as it's quite large it seems pretty mature to me. It's not round like most
potatoes but long - these sweet potatoes are elongated in shape and the flesh is
orange coloured - quite a bright orange in fact not pale yellow as I said before.

Answer
Dear Julie,
When a sweet potato is placed in water, it sprouts.  That was what I was referring to in the general comment about potatoes.  They do not grow from seeds.  Where the foliage begins is what I refer to as the eye.  A mature potato produces many more, hopefully.  My neighbor starts his indoors in the winter and then plants the potato plants after the fear of frost has passed.
Kindred