Plants Index
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
Karen Brown, University of Florida, Bugwood.org

Natural Area Weeds: Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)

University of Florida, 2014
K.A. Langeland and M.J. Meisenburg

This fact sheet provides a brief summary of air potato's impacts, distribution, and identifying characteristics. Methods of plant removal are also discussed.

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.

 
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