My Hunger Will Consume All That Is Here And Will Free You
by Victoria Nations
I will climb and tear
and rip it all apart with my teeth,
until the way is cleared before me.
I will lay waste to the kingdom I’ve invaded.
I will eat until I am gorged,
until I am satisfied.
The fabric that binds this world will hang in tatters.
And the sun will reach the ground once more
after I have passed through.
Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera L.) is an invasive vine that was introduced to Florida from Asia over 100 years ago. It can grow to 20 meters or more, climbing over and smothering native plants. After years of research, a leaf feeding beetle, Lilioceris cheni, was recently introduced into Florida from China for biological control of air potato. This is the second year we’ve had this feisty red beetle in our yard and their ability to destroy the leaves and vines of air potato is truly impressive. Way to go, little guys!
For more information, check out the UF/IFAS Extension fact sheet.
Victoria Nations 