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Zantedeschia aethopica, Calla Lily, or Arum Lily belongs to the Araceae family of plants. Zantedeschia aethopica is 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. Plant it in moist, poorly drained soil. You can even plant it in a water garden in the shallow water of up to 30 cm deep. Place it in baskets or clay pots.
Zantedeschia aethopica is a 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. It produces white flowers in spring, summer, and fall. It is also a popular cut flower. Propagate by division. Watch out for aphids or thrips. Zantedeschia aethopica may have problems with fungal or bacterial rots.
The name 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.
