Air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera, a native of Asia, was first introduced to Florida in 1905. Due to its ability to displace native species and disrupt natural processes such as fire and water flow, air potato has been listed as one of Florida’s most invasive plant species since 1993 and was placed on the Florida Noxious Weed List by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1999.

On January 9th, the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) held the "Air Potato Exchange Day" and over 1,000 pounds of bulbs were collected.  The project was so successful that we hope to repeat it again next year.  If funds can be acquired, the HSWCD will carry on this event every year.