Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Maximum Size:
1 metre tall
Habitats:
Ditches, gardens, ponds, riverbanks, roadsides, swamps, wasteland, water, waterside, wetland, woodland.
Large and showy. White funnel-shaped tubular flower with a slit down one side. Yellow or orange spike called a spadix sits in the centre of the outer white sheath.
Fruit:
An oval, orange berry-like fruit, up to 1cm across.
Leaves:
Large, green, broadly oval, glossy leaves.
Aroma:
Very strongly scented.
Other Names:
African Lily, Calla Lily, Common Arum Lily, Common Calla, Common Calla Lily, Death Lily, Easter Lily, Egyptian Lily, Florist's Lily, Funeral Flower, Garden Calla, Giant White Arum Lily, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Lily of the Nile, Pig Lily, St Joseph's Arum Lily, Trumpet Lily.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Zantedeschia aethiopica, also known as the "African lily" or "calla lily," is a species of herbaceous perennial plant that is native to southern Africa. It is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that can be white, yellow, or pink in color. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and is also used in floral arrangements. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Blog
Arum Lily, scientifically known as Zantedeschia aethiopica, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to southern Africa. It is a member of the Araceae family and is also known by other names, including Calla Lily and Ethiopian Lily. The plant has a unique shape and appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.
Description
The Arum Lily is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are dark green, arrow-shaped, and can grow up to 18 inches long. The plant produces a white, funnel-shaped flower called a spathe that encloses a yellow spadix. The spathe is shaped like a trumpet and can grow up to 10 inches long. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators.
Growing Requirements
The Arum Lily thrives in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It is a hardy plant and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F. The plant is often grown in containers or as a border plant in gardens. It is also a popular choice for water gardens due to its ability to grow in water up to 12 inches deep.
Uses
The Arum Lily is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. Its unique shape and color make it a popular choice for floral arrangements, especially for weddings and other special events. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, sore throat, and wounds. The leaves of the plant are boiled and used as a poultice to treat skin irritations and insect bites.
Cultural Significance
The Arum Lily has cultural significance in various parts of the world. In South Africa, it is a symbol of purity and is often used in bridal bouquets. It is also used as a symbol of peace and hope. In Christianity, the Arum Lily represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often used during Easter services.
The Arum Lily is a beautiful and versatile plant with a rich cultural history. Its unique appearance and easy-to-grow nature make it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Whether you're a gardener, florist, or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, the Arum Lily is definitely worth considering for your next project.
Some Facts about the Arum Lily
Interesting facts about the Arum Lily:
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The Arum Lily is not a true lily. It belongs to the Araceae family, which also includes other popular houseplants like the Peace Lily and Philodendron.
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The plant is native to South Africa but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Europe, Australia, and North America.
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The Arum Lily has several common names, including Calla Lily, Trumpet Lily, White Arum, and Ethiopian Lily.
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The plant's spathe and spadix are actually modified leaves that work together to attract pollinators. The spadix produces heat, which helps to release the plant's scent and attract insects like beetles and flies.
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The Arum Lily is toxic to humans and pets. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and even respiratory issues if ingested.
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The plant's rhizomes are edible and have been used as a food source in parts of Africa for centuries. They can be boiled or roasted and eaten like potatoes.
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The Arum Lily is a low-maintenance plant and can survive in a range of growing conditions. However, it does require regular watering and should be protected from frost in colder climates.
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The plant's popularity has led to the development of many hybrid varieties with different colors and shapes. Some of the most popular hybrids include the Black Star, Picasso, and Captain Romance.
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The Arum Lily has inspired many artists and designers, including the famous French artist Henri Matisse, who used the plant's distinctive shape in several of his paintings.
- In the language of flowers, the Arum Lily symbolizes purity, innocence, and rebirth, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets and other special occasions.
Blog Continued...
The Arum Lily, also known as the Zantedeschia aethiopica, is a beautiful plant with a unique appearance that has captured the hearts of gardeners and florists alike. Its striking white spathe and yellow spadix, which resemble a trumpet, make it a popular choice for floral arrangements, weddings, and other special events.
While the Arum Lily is native to South Africa, it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It is a hardy plant that can survive in a range of growing conditions, including partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It is also a popular choice for water gardens due to its ability to grow in water up to 12 inches deep.
Despite its beauty, the Arum Lily is toxic to humans and pets. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and even respiratory issues if ingested. However, the plant's rhizomes are edible and have been used as a food source in parts of Africa for centuries. They can be boiled or roasted and eaten like potatoes.
The Arum Lily has cultural significance in various parts of the world. In South Africa, it is a symbol of purity and is often used in bridal bouquets. It is also used as a symbol of peace and hope. In Christianity, the Arum Lily represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often used during Easter services.
The plant has also inspired many artists and designers, including the famous French artist Henri Matisse, who used the plant's distinctive shape in several of his paintings. Its popularity has led to the development of many hybrid varieties with different colors and shapes. Some of the most popular hybrids include the Black Star, Picasso, and Captain Romance.
In conclusion, the Arum Lily is a versatile and beautiful plant with a rich cultural history. Whether you're a gardener, florist, or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, the Arum Lily is definitely worth considering for your next project. Just remember to handle it with care, as it can be toxic to humans and pets.
Video
The Arum Lily filmed in Parbold, Lancashire along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on the 21st June 2023.
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