Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng.
Half-hardy, evergreen clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with glossy, arrow shaped leaves and a succession of pure white flowers in summer. The flowers are actually very small, surrounded by a large, showy, pure white spathe. To 1.2m. [RHSE, CECB, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘It is very hardy, bearing our milder winters, even without shelter, but to have it flower well it is necessary to preserve it in a greenhouse, or what is still better. to aid it by the heat of the stove; by management it may be made to shew flowers in almost any month of the year. […] Has been many years common in our gardens.’ [BM t.832/1805]. Introduced to Britain in 1731. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.56/1843].
Notes
Calla aethiopica Gaertn. (1790) = Calla palustris L.
Its specific name aethiopica and common name ‘Lily of the Nile’ are the result of a misunderstanding of its origins by Linnaeus. Naturalised in partys of Australia, particularly in damp areas.
Published Jan 18, 2009 - 11:54 AM | Last updated Jul 14, 2010 - 02:13 PM
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Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng. | BM t.832/1805 | BHL
| Family | Araceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa, Cape district |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Arum lily, Calla lily, Lily of the Nile |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Calla Aethiopica |
| Confidence level | high |