The invasive vine Dioscorea bulbifera threatens biodiversity in the Southeastern United States. Due to its fast-growing, climbing nature, it effectively displaces native species by blanketing both forest canopy and understory growth. It starves the native flora for sunlight and effectively alters the canopy structure. This study examines and quantifies the effects of the air potato on a mesic hardwood canopy structure in Spring Hammock Preserve in Central Florida. Canopy surface height measurements were taken along 10-meter line transects using an upward-looking, portable LiDAR system. Measurements were taken semiannually for Spring and Fall seasons beginning in 2007. Tree species community composition surveys were also performed around each transect.

Results/Conclusions

Preliminary data analysis showed a correlation between canopy height diversity and the presence or absence of the air potato vine. Transects where air potato was present had a decreased canopy height diversity when compared to those where air potato was absent. Continued research will help quantify how this invasive species influences the canopy architecture and light regime over time. This long-term data set will assist in the multi-agency initiative to understand and eradicate this invasive ecosystem engineer.