Tales of Invaders from Two Continents: Air Potato and Brazilian Peppertree
Webinar Details
When:
Sep 9, 2020 1:00 pm US/Eastern
Length: 01:00 (hh:mm)
Advance Registration NOT required.
View now on-demand.
Presenter(s):
- Dr. Carey Minteer, Assistant Professor, University of Florida
Virtual Event Format:
Group Viewing Available:
Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) are two non-native species harming natural ecosystems in Florida and other regions in the southeastern United States. Dr. Carey Minteer (University of Florida) will provide a general overview of the introduction, range, impact and possible management strategies for these species.
Amy Ferriter, State of Idaho, Bugwood.org, Karen Brown, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
The Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is native to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, and was introduced to Florida in the mid-1800s. This invasive plant grows as a tree or a shrub, reaching heights of up to 40’. Brazilian peppertree aggressively invades nearly all types of ecosystems, and is currently found in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and Texas. Leaves have a reddish midrib, and smell of turpentine when crushed. The fruits change from green to bright red as they ripen, and are spread by small mammals or birds. Seedlings have a very high rate of survival, and can form dense thickets that crowd out other plants. Brazilian peppertree is considered poor habitat for native wildlife, and may lead to allergic skin reactions on some people. Management tactics include burning, cutting, and herbicide treatment, but efforts must be maintained to fully suppress regrowth.
Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is member of the yam family – native to Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – was introduced to Florida in 1905. This plant has large heart-shaped leaves along vines that can grow up to 8” a day. These vines can quickly take over areas and completely eliminate competing vegetation. Small white flowers can form from leaf axils, but most reproduction and spread is from tubers. Tubers grow along the vines, and can range from marble- to softball-sized. Tubers drop to the ground in winter and can sprout roots and shoots. These tubers – both in the air and in the ground – are reportedly edible, but we recommend they not be consumed without extensive knowledge of the particular plant cultivar. Control of air-potato is difficult, and requires physical removal or multiple chemical treatments. Prevention is the most effective management for this plant.
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