Are yams sweet potatoes and squash the same family?

No, yams, sweet potatoes, and squash are not in the same family. They are all root vegetables, but they belong to different botanical families:

* Yams belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. They are starchy, fibrous, and often have a brown skin and white flesh.

* Sweet Potatoes belong to the Convolvulaceae family. They are sweeter than yams and have a more delicate texture. They come in various colors, including orange, white, and purple.

* Squash belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. This family includes pumpkins, zucchini, gourds, and cucumbers. Squash can be starchy or sweet, depending on the variety.

While they are often confused, yams and sweet potatoes are distinct plants with different flavor profiles and nutritional values.