Air Potato vines are an invasive plant in Florida. Not related to the white spuds we eat, air potatoes are a member of the yam family. But you still don’t want to eat them, they contain a variety of toxic compounds.

Air potato can be found in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. It was first discovered in FL in 1905.  Labeled an invasive which means they grow so well that they harm native plants and damage local ecosystems. Since 1999 air potatoes were placed on the FL Noxious Weed List noxious weed (worse than invasive) which means that introduction, possession, propagation and movement is prohibited by law unless you have a permit.

The vines grow really fast, as much as 8 inches /day and can grow to more than 70 feet long/tall. Once established the plant is difficult to eradicate.   If you find it in your yard, cut the vines in the trees, remove the bulbils and dig up the underground tubers if possible. Burning is not recommended because is causes excessive damage to native vegetation under the vines.

Interesting fact – Male air potato plants have not been found in Florida. They reproduce solely by sprouting from the bulbils–the small potato-like growths on the vines. Even the tiniest bulbil can sprout a new plant.  Which means they’re all genetic copies of the parent plants, also known as clones.