calla lily

plant

Also known as: Zantedeschia

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July 23, 2026

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The term "calla" refers to two distinct types of plants within the arum family (Araceae). One is the genus Calla, which includes the wild plant C. palustris, also known as water arum or wild calla. This aquatic plant, found in cool, wet northern regions, features heart-shaped leaves, white floral leaves (spathes), and red berries. Its juice is poisonous.1

More commonly, "calla" is used for plants in the genus Zantedeschia, often called calla lilies. Native to South Africa, the most well-known is Z. aethiopica, a popular florist's plant with a white spathe and arrow-shaped leaves. Other varieties include the golden calla lily (Z. elliottiana) and the pink or red calla lily (Z. rehmannii). The name "calla lily" was first used in 1854.12

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calla
…several species of the genus Zantedeschia, which are often called calla lilies. All native to South Africa, the most important is the common florist’s calla (Z. aethiopica), a stout herb with a fragrant white spathe and arrow-shaped leaves that spring from a thick rootstock. It is a popular indoor plant…
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…several species of the genus Zantedeschia, which are often called calla lilies. All native to South Africa, the most important is the common florist’s calla (Z. aethiopica), a stout herb with a fragrant white spathe and arrow-shaped leaves that spring from a thick rootstock. It is a popular indoor plant…
Read More