Question
QUESTION: I am looking for a non flowering vine that grows from a potato like type bulb - the leaves are beautiful dark green heart shaped.    During the growth cycle, it produces the potato like bulbs that it's grown from.   They start out as nubs - very tiny and grow during the season. They are picked before the first frost, kept over winter and planted in the spring.  I love them but cannot find them anywhere.  The only place I've found them is in Ty Ty, GA but that nursery has sold out.  Thanks for any information you might have.

ANSWER: Hi Deborah,
It sounds like you may be talking about Dioscoria bulbifera, air potato vine.  Let me know if this is the one.  It is considered an invasive species in Florida.  Here's a link so you can see what I'm talking about.  Let me know if this is the one before I start looking.

thx,

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/133

Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tom, this may be duplicate info as this may have been part of the "rating" of your reply to me.  What you found DOES exactly what I'm looking for.  Would be very appreciative if you COULD help me find where to buy.  If these are the same as I've had in the past, they are not invasive in GA - due to the colder weather, I'm sure.  The bulbs rot in the winter if left in the ground.  Thanks very much!!!!

Answer
Hi Deborah,
You can probably fine the air potato, cinnamon vine, yam on ebay or at this website

http://www.georgiavines.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&produc

D. bulbifera is listed as a minor problem in certain areas of Georgia.  I urge you to consult with the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service before propagating this plant in Georgia.

http://www.gaeppc.org/list.cfm

http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/office.cfm

I don't want to preach to you or judge you but we all need to be careful what kind of non-native plants we introduce into our respective climates.   

I hope this helps.
Tom