Air Potatoes in Miami

Last weekend, I went and volunteered with the city's environmental department - DERM - and helped them remove the dreaded invasive species called the air potato. I don't know what the scientific name for these tubers is but they grow wild on a vine and take over the local landscape. This removal was held at the Kendall Indian Hammocks an archeological site. I even found a super old Yuengling bottle buried in the dirt. It's not for the squeamish though - the entire hammock is full of little South Florida critters like weird looking worms and banana spiders. It was a fun event though and I felt like I helped out the community. DERM's next events are scheduled for the fall and include more invasive plant removal and cleaning up our waterways. Here are some photos from my adventure:

Showing me how to find the transient tubers.

A banana spider hanging out in its web.

This is what the vine looks like - if you have it in your yard - watch out!

A freshly dug up air potato.

The air potato.


Me, tangled up in vines.

Got 'em!