- Air-Potato
- Dioscorea bulbifera
- Bamboo
- Several non-native genera
- Brazilian Peppertree
- Schinus terebinthifolius
- Callery pear
- Pyrus calleryana
- Chinese Privet
- Ligustrum sinense
- Chinese Tallow Tree
- Triadica sebifera
- Cogongrass
- Imperata cylindrica
- Japanese Climbing Fern
- Lygodium japonicum
- Japanese Stiltgrass
- Microstegium vimineum
- Johnson Grass
- Sorghum halepense
- Kudzu
- Pueraria lobata
- Thorny Olive
- Elaeagnus pungens
- Tree of Heaven
- Ailanthus altissima
Air-Potato
This member of the yam family – native to Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – was introduced to Florida in 1905. This plant has large heart-shaped leaves along vines that can grow up to 8” a day. These vines can quickly take over areas and completely eliminate competing vegetation. Small white flowers can form from leaf axils, but most reproduction and spread is from tubers. Tubers grow along the vines, and can range from marble- to softball-sized. Tubers drop to the ground in winter and can sprout roots and shoots. These tubers – both in the air and in the ground – are reportedly edible, but we recommend they not be consumed without extensive knowledge of the particular plant cultivar. Control of air-potato is difficult, and requires physical removal or multiple chemical treatments. Prevention is the most effective management for this plant.
Air Potato Biological Control Extension Needs Assesment
University of Florida, USDA Plant Research Lab, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 2015Air Potato Vine Management Guide: Combining Management Strategies to Achieve Eradication of the Noxious Weed Dioscorea bulbifera
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 2021Invasive Plants in Natural Areas: Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)
UF/IFAS Extension, 2021Quick Identification Guide: Air Potato, Dioscorea bulbifera
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 2016Tales of Invaders from Two Continents: Air Potato and Brazilian Peppertree
University of Florida, 2020Air Potato - Plant Presentation
Clemson University & US Forest Service, 2025Air Potato Patrol
https://airpotatobeetle.com/Air Potatoes in Florida
Florida Museum, 2024EDD Maps - Air Potato Distribution
https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/viewmap.cfm?sub=3017