Zantedeschia aethiopica (Lily of the Nile or Calla lily; syn. Calla aethiopica L., Richardia africana Kunth, Richardia aethiopica (L.) Spreng., Colocasia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. ex Link) is a species in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. It is also commonly known as the Arum lily, although the plant is neither a true Arum (genus Arum) nor a lily (genus Lilium), but so named as the flowers resemble those of the arums.

It is an important symbol of Irish Republicanism.

Description

It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, evergreen where rainfall and temperatures are adequate, deciduous where there is a dry season. It grows to 0.6-1 m (2-3 ft) tall, with large clumps of broad, arrow shaped dark green leaves up to 45 cm (18 in) long. The Inflorescences are large, produced in spring, summer and autumn, with a pure white spathe up to 25 cm (10 in) and a yellow spadix up to 90 mm (3½ in) long.

Zantedeschia is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. Ingestion may cause a severe burning sensation and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat; stomach pain and diarrhea is possible.

Distribution and habitat

Zantedeschia aethiopica is native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. It has become naturalised in Australia, particularly in Western Australia where it occurs in areas with high periodical water tables and sandy soils. The plant has been classified as toxic weed and is a declared pest.

Cultivation

A number of cultivars have been selected for use as ornamental plants. 'Crowborough' is a more cold tolerant cultivar growing to 90 cm (36 in) tall, suited to cool climates such as the British Isles and north-western United States. 'Green Goddess' has green stripes on the spathes. 'White Sail', growing to 90 cm tall, has a very broad spathe. 'Red Desire' has a red instead of yellow spadix and appears to be rare. 'Pink Mist' has a pinkish base to the spathe. It is said 'Pink Mist' is very difficult to grow.

In order to introduce colours to the large white Calla Lillies just like the many colour varieties available with the dwarf summer Calla Lillies, attempts to hybridise Zantedeschia aeithiopica x Zantedeschia elliotiana have resulted in albino progenies, which are non-viable.

See also

Easter Lily

References

1. Germplasm Resources Information Network: Zantedeschia aethiopica
2. Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
3. Poisonous Plants of North Carolina Retrieved on 8-2-2009
4. Dept Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

• Botanicas Annuals & Perennials, Random House, Sydney, 2005, ISBN 0091838096

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