Calla Lily

The pronounciation of this plant is zanter-DESK-ya or zanter-DEE-sha. However this flower is well- known as calla or arum lily that is easier to say. Having the name of a calla lily, the flower does not relate to the true lily or the Lilac family at all. In reality calla lily is one of the representatives of the Araceae family. The other popular species of this family are anthurium, caladium and some philodendron.

Calla lily originates from the South Africa. Here the plants are growing in such a large abundance that they are considered to be common roadside plants and are named» pig lilies." The genus of this plant is Zantedeschia, which was called in honor of the Italian botanist Francesco Zantedeschia. It is made up of six species that have been hybridized to make plenty of cultivars.

The blossoms are available during the whole year in various shades of red, mauve-pink, ivory and golden-yellow. The cut flower may stay for 4-8 days. It does well at room temperature and requires much water.
 
Calla lily is commonly used in contemporary designs and various floral arrangements for wedding occasions, corsages, and boutonnieres.