Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng.   Araceae (Arum Family)   South Africa   Calla-Lily

                                      March Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Perennial herb from thick rhizomes to 12 dm. high; lvs. basal, long petioled, the blade hastate to cordate-ovate, shining dark green; fls. fragrant; spathe creamy or white, 1-2.5 dm. long; spadix yellow.

Habitat:  Much grown in Calif. as a garden plant and occasionally becoming natur.  Nov.-May.

Name:  Named for F. Zantedeschi, Italian botanist.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 882).  aethiopica means from Ethiopia or Abysinnia. (Bailey 10).  Sprengel may have thought the plant came from Ethiopia.  (John Johnson).  

General:  Uncommon in the study area; found in two locations in the 23rd St. area. Photos from both locations. (my comment).      Here belong the callas of florists.  Of the true Calla there is but one single species, Calla palustris.  (Bailey 181).     Eight species of Zantedeschia are recognized.  (Bailey 180).

Text Ref:  Bailey 181; Hickman, Ed. 1105; Munz, Calif. Flora 1358.  Munz, Flora So. Calif. 882.

Photo Ref:  May-June 85 # 3; Mar 2 86 # 2; Mar 03 #10.

Identity: by R. De Ruff.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 133.

No plant specimen.

Last edit 10/22/02.

                                             March Photo