Air Potato Pick-Up Set for Hammock Park Saturday

Friends of the Hammock is inviting volunteers to weed out invasive plants at Hammock Park on Saturday.

"Our most needed activity is help in eradicating the Air Potato," Friends of the Hammock's website says.

The air potato is a fast-growing vine from the yam family. It is recognized by its heart-shaped leaves and its bulbous, potato-like sprouts.

The air potato vines threaten native plants at the 93-acre natural park on San Mateo Drive.

The plant was introduced to Florida from Africa in 1905 and is listed as one of the state’s most invasive species, according to the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. 

Removing the bulbs is the most effective way to manage the vine from spreading.

Volunteers to pick up air potatoes are provided lunch, according to Friends of the Hammock, Inc., Facebook page.

Hammock Park contains more than 300 native species of plants and animals, roughly 100 species of birds, five miles of walking trails and 100-year-old hardwood trees.

Want to Go?

• When: Saturday, Dec. 8; 9 a.m. to noon
• Where: Hammock Park, 1900 San Mateo Drive; meet at the pavilions off of San Mateo
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, gloves, mosquito repellent, close-toed walking shoes
• Can't make it, but want to help? Friends of the Hammock provide bags at near the entrance kiosk and drop-off buckets throughout the park for do-gooding visitors.