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Description
Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as calla lily or arum lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to southern Africa. It belongs to the family Araceae and is known for its unique funnel-shaped flowers and arrowhead-shaped leaves. The flowers come in various shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple, and bloom in late spring to early summer. This plant is widely cultivated in gardens and as a cut flower due to its stunning appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Zantedeschia |
Appearance
Zantedeschia aethiopica can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 0.6 meters wide. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, dark green, and glossy, measuring 30-60 cm long and 20-40 cm wide. The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in various shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple. Each flower measures 10-15 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The plant produces a spadix, which is surrounded by a white or yellow spathe. The spathe is a modified leaf that encloses the spadix, which bears the tiny flowers.
Care Guide
Water: Zantedeschia aethiopica prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week and ensure that the soil is well-drained.Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Soil: Zantedeschia aethiopica prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Mix organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure into the soil to improve its texture and fertility.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. In warmer climates, it prefers partial shade to protect it from scorching sun rays.Hardiness Zones: Zantedeschia aethiopica is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zantedeschia aethiopica is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common problems include spider mites, aphids, and bacterial soft rot. To prevent these problems, ensure that the plant is well-drained, not overwatered, and not overcrowded.
Habitat
Zantedeschia aethiopica is native to southern Africa and is found in marshy areas, along streams, and in damp meadows. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Zantedeschia aethiopica?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week and ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.Q: What is the ideal pH for the soil of Zantedeschia aethiopica?
A: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Zantedeschia aethiopica?
A: Some common problems include spider mites, aphids, and bacterial soft rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Zantedeschia aethiopica?
A: Zantedeschia aethiopica is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Zantedeschia aethiopica:
- Zantedeschia albomaculata
- Zantedeschia rehmannii
- Zantedeschia jucunda
- Zantedeschia elliottiana
References
- “Zantedeschia aethiopica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 June 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c957>
- “Calla Lily/Zantedeschia.” University of Minnesota Extension. Accessed 10 June 2021. <https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/calla-lilyzantedeschia>
- “Zantedeschia aethiopica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 10 June 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/25788/Zantedeschia-aethiopica/Details>
