Maple Sweet Potato Vine

Maple is the Desana series sweetpotato vine selection listed by Suntory as ‘Kyuikukan 2’. Its plant patent identifies the cultivar botanically as Ipomoea batatas and describes foliage that emerges bright green and matures dark purple. The patent also records a compact, outwardly trailing habit and roughly palmate, deeply lobed leaves. ## Identity and Form The [Suntory catalog](https://www.norseco.com/pdf/2014SuntoryCatalog.pdf) pairs Maple with the cultivar denomination ‘Kyuikukan 2’. The [patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP19448P2/en) identifies plant patent PP19,448, published November 11, 2008, and describes free branching. It records a specimen about 15 cm high and 33.6 cm in diameter; these are patent observations, not universal mature-size limits. The patent says its described plants did not develop flowers. ## Site and Use Suntory lists full sun to partial shade and a well-drained peat/perlite production medium for Desana. The catalog shows finished plants in four- and six-inch pots and lists hanging baskets, combination plantings, containers, window boxes and bedding. These are series-level production and display recommendations. For broader species care, [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomoea-batatas/) recommends full sun or partial shade and loamy, well-drained soil with organic matter. ## Maintenance The patent notes that pinching can enhance lateral branch development. Keep the growing medium well drained, and use the Desana series’ compact trailing form in containers or beds where its foliage can spread.