#1 Pest Plant Problem

Invasive exotic pest plants are the biggest management problem in the ORCA.  Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), a very vigorous vine,  has consumed the most volunteer efforts.

Air potato is awfully amazing in its ability to produce biomass – and to reproduce.

Heart-shaped leaves with a pointed drip, an entire leaf margin (no teeth, and curved leaf veins that begin from the same place distinguish this plant. 

For more information, visit the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/invaspec/2ndlevpgs/pdfs/airpotato-ifas.pdf

Air potato can climb high in the canopy and can smother the understory.  It thrives in shade and explodes in sun.

Roots can be extensive – and difficult to remove.

Insert air potato root harvested by Dick Atkinson here

Reproduction is via bulbils (aerial tubers) that can vary dramatically in size.  Unfortunately, viability – in a science fair project – was 100% when placed in a plastic bag.

July 1999

Our volunteer air potato control efforts began in July of 1999. More than two thousand hours of volunteer time have been devoted to air potato from July 1999 through October 2005.

Click to view images of the first air potato pluck. 

Originally, the infestation was limited to the south side of the hammock loop “return” trail.  Unfortunately, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne spread bulbils and brought an unprecedented amount of sunlight to he hammock.

Help Pluck Now

Air potato plucks are held weekly.  Contact Janice Broda at jcb@ifas.ufl.edu to find out when the next pluck is scheduled.  Or, feel free to work on the air potato at your leisure.

Winter 2006 – Volunteer for the Bulbil Brigade ...

Interestingly, air potato goes dormant in the winter.  During the dormant period this year, we hope to pick up every bulbil.  Please contact Janice Broda at jcb@ifas.ufl.edu if you would like to volunteer for the Bulbil Brigade.