Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica

The Calla Lily has elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers that can make any room feel special. They are often used in bouquets and decorations.

Habitat: Wetlands and gardens

Appearance

The Calla Lily has a striking, elegant appearance, with a large, funnel-shaped 'flower' (spathe) that wraps around a central spike (spadix). Its colors range from classic white to vibrant yellows, pinks, purples, and even black, making it visually distinct from true lilies.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyAraceaeGenusZantedeschia

Calla Lily

Interesting facts

Believe it or not, eating any part of this plant can make you very sick!

Native to South Africa, it loves growing near water, like swamps!

Some varieties are grown for a unique dark purple color, almost black!

Wow, its beautiful 'flower' is actually a modified leaf, not a true blossom!

Special abilities

Calla Lily releases a subtle scent to attract insect pollinators, guiding them to its pollen-rich spadix.

Calla Lily has needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation when eaten, deterring hungry animals.

Calla Lily has a thick rhizome that stores water and nutrients, helping it survive dry periods or cold winters.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-90 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 10-25 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: High
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects pollen for food.

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

attracted to scent and pollen.

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

grazes on leaves and flowers.

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.