Zantedeschia

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iZantedeschia

Zantedeschia elliottiana

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Araceae
Genus:	Zantedeschia K.Koch

Species

Zantedeschia aethiopica
Zantedeschia odorata
Zantedeschia albomaculata
Zantedeschia elliottiana
Zantedeschia jucunda
Zantedeschia pentlandii
Zantedeschia rehmannii

Zantedeschia is a genus of twenty-eight species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The name of the genus was given as a tribute to Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846). Common names include arum lily, calla, and calla lily although it is neither a true lily (Liliaceae), nor Arum or Calla (related genera in Araceae).

They are rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plants growing to 1-2.5 m tall with leaves 15-45 cm long. The flowers are produced in a spadix, with a large, brightly coloured bract surrounding the inflorescence.

Species

Zantedeschia aethiopica - giant white arum lily or common arum lily
Zantedeschia odorata
Zantedeschia albomaculata - spotted arum lily
Zantedeschia elliottiana - yellow or golden arum lily
Zantedeschia jucunda
Zantedeschia pentlandii
Zantedeschia rehmannii - pink arum lily

All species are endemic to Southern Africa. Z. aethiopica grows naturally in marshy areas and only deciduous when water becomes scarce. It grows continuously when watered and fed continuously and can survive periods of minor frosts. Z. aethiopica is a very strong and sturdy plant, being able to grow in many soils and habitats, multiplying by rhizome-offsets; it is naturalised and regarded as a weed throughout the world. Z. odorata is a rare species, resembling Z. aethiopica, but deciduous and smelling like freesia, endemic to a few localities in South Africa. Z. albomaculata is a widespread and variable species, growing from South Africa up to Kenia, varying in shades of white to cream and pink to orange-shades. Z. elliotiana is known from horticultural sources only and is probably of hybrid origin. Z. jucunda and Z. pentlandii are rare species with beautiful large yellow showy flowers. Z. rehmannii is a pink-flowered species with sword shaped leaves.

All zantedeschias produce large, showy flowers spathes and are often grown both as ornamental plants and for cut flowers.

Some callas are hardier than others. The white calla aethiopica and some of its relatives are hardy into USDA Zone 6. If you are in Zone 7 and the ground does not freeze, many callas are winter-hardy. Some are less hardy and are only reliable in Zones 8. They are grown as tender bulbs or houseplants in cooler areas.

The so-called white calla is derived from Z. aethiopica. All varieties with flowers with shades of yellow, orange, red, purple are mainly derived from Z. albomaculata, Z. pentlandii and Z. rehmanni.