Air Potato is an exotic nuisance plant originally from South EastAsia. If not properly controlled the vines of the plant can quickly overgrow native plants.

In some countries where the Air Potato is native the bulbs are an important food source. In fact, Air Potato was first introduced to the United States in the 1700’s as a food source for slaves. The Air Potato found in Florida today has a very bitter taste and is unpalatable.

This vine has large shiny, heart shaped leaves that form dense masses in the summer months. The vines grow so thick that they can kill plants growing underneath. The vine dies back in the winter months exposing the hanging tubers or air potatoes. These tubers drop to the ground and sprout new plants in the spring. Once established Air Potato is very persistent and difficult to eradicate.

Air Potato tubers hanging on a South Florida Slash Pine. Note the dead vines attached to the tuber. The green leaves to the left are Poison Ivy and not part of the Air Potato.

The large, shiny heart shaped leaves of the Air Potato vine are very distinctive.