Zantedeschia aethopica – Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethopica, Calla Lily, or Arum Lily belongs to the Araceae family of plants. Zantedeschia aethopica native to South Africa it is a plant that can be grown in the garden as well as in containers. It can thrive in sun or partial shade in moist soil, in this case actually poorly drained, you can even use it in a water garden in the shallow water of up to 30 cm deep in baskets or clay pots. Zantedeschia aethopica is rhizomatous perennial and herbaceous. It is an evergreen in areas where there is enough supply of moisture whereas in dryer climates it is deciduous. Calla Lily grows up to 90cm tall. It has large dark green leaves and white flowers in spring, summer, and fall. It flowers in spring and summer and is nice in the garden as well as cut flowers. Propagate by division. Watch out for Aphids or thrips and Zantedeschia aethopica may have problems with fungal or bacterial rots.

Zantedeschia aethopica comes from the Greek language meaning beautiful and in fact, it is one of the most elegant flowers in nature. The flower is actually a version of the leaf called spathe and grows on top of a leafless stalk. The actual flowers are the tiny flowers inside on the spadix. Interestingly this beautiful flower is considered a weed in South America and it could be rather invasive in nature. The plant is actually toxic so it should be kept from pets and children.