Non-native Air Potato Plant Information

Published on July 22, 2024

The Florida ecosystem is delicate and filled with many species of plants. Native plants help water conservation, improve water quality, and provide a habitat for pollinators and wildlife. 

Air Potatoes are a non-native, invasive and aggressive plant species. 

Air potatoes are part of the yam family, and should not be eaten. Due to its ability to displace native species and disrupt natural processes such as air and water flow, the air potato is listed as one of Florida’s most aggressive invasive plant species. 

Air potatoes grow fast and strong - roughly eight inches per day. Air potatoes grow on vines that climb to the tops of trees and take over native plants. New plants develop from air potatoes that fall to the ground, expanding their reach.

Prevention is a key step in the management of air potatoes. Fallen air potatoes are the main way they spread. Even the smallest air potatoes can form new plants.

Temporary removal is possible when vines and air potatoes are hand-pulled and destroyed. Eradication, however, requires the removal of underground roots, which can be difficult to dig up and completely remove.

For more information about air potatoes and how to manage them, please visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services webpage.