There are plenty of invasive and toxic plants in the Sunshine State, largely thanks to its warm, humid climate.
But out of all these different flora, one could be mistaken for a tasty, starchy treat: Dioscorea bulbifera, otherwise known as the “Air Potato.”
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According to the UF/IFAS, these “potatoes” look like anything but at first glance, as they’re actually a twining vine, usually sprouting from an underground tuber.
These stems can grow up to 60 feet in length, and the plants form hundreds of bulbils that resemble small potatoes — hence the nickname.
After forming, the bulbils — which can range up to roughly 5 inches across — drop to the ground and sprout even more plants.
Despite the nickname, though, the air potato is actually a member of the yam family, according to UF/IFAS researchers.
Originally, they were cultivated for their edible underground tubers in Western Africa, but during the slave trade, the plant managed to find its way into the Americas.
However, air potatoes weren’t introduced into Florida until 1905. Nowadays, they can be found across the state, from the panhandle all the way down to the Florida Keys.
This is a bit of a problem, as the air potato is an invasive species, which was added to the state’s noxious weed list in 1999.
As such, it’s illegal to introduce, own, grow or move air potatoes in the state without a proper permit.
And even with the resemblance to traditional potatoes, these plants should be kept away from the menu. Not only do they generally taste bitter, but they can even be poisonous, with both the tubers and the bulbils containing toxic compounds.
Researchers say that these air potato vines can climb high into treetops to choke out sunlight, as well as blanket the understory. As such, air potatoes can have disastrous impacts on crops and native plants.
Luckily, researchers have a nifty tool to help cut down on the invasive tuber: the aptly named Air Potato Beetles.
The beetles (a.k.a. “Lilioceris cheni”) were first released into Florida back in 2012 to help control air potato vines.
And while the insects have reportedly done a great job munching on the green bits, they haven’t stopped the invasion, as they won’t eat the bulbil portions of the air potato.
Cut to 2025, and UF/IFAS researchers announced that another species of air potato beetle (Lilioceris egena) had been released, which looks nigh identical to its cheni cousins.
However, the egena variants have larvae that feed exclusively on the air potato bulbils, making them a great supplement to the existing air potato beetles.
In fact, Florida residents can request a shipment of these beetles to combat air potato vines on their own properties. To do so, visit the FDACS website here and click the Air Potato Report Form button.
While state officials say that not everyone who submits a form may receive beetles, the department will ensure that a population of beetles is released within a 10-mile radius of every reported infestation.