Calla Lilies Flowers
Name : Calla Lilies Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Zantedeschia, (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Calla Lilies Description
Calla Lily is an exquisite flower that adds beauty and elegance to its surroundings. Contrary to what the name suggests a calla lily is actually neither a lily nor a calla. It belongs to the genus Zantedeschia from the Araceae Family, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The name of the genus is a tribute to the Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846) by the German botanist Kurt Sprengel (1766 - 1833). This flower is also known simply as “Calla” and is often erroneously spelled as "Cala Lily".
Calla lilies grow from a bulb (rhizome) and produce very large green leaves which are typically covered with lighter-coloured spots. Flowers bloom from the top of a thick stem and sort of resemble a trumpet shaped rolled paper.
Calla lily flowers are available in all hues imaginable from white to various shades of pink, green, yellow, purple and orange.
Calla lilies have a texture ranging from rather fleshy to wet autumn leaves. Calla lilies prove to be a wonderful addition to any garden. Calla lilies propagate by bulbs and by seeds as well. This enchanting flower is relatively easy to grow. Calla lilies thrive in a humid climate and will grow in almost any kind of soil. It is a very hardy plant and in native countries, it is commonly considered a weed and is cut down in order to make room for agriculture.
Calla lilies don’t require any special care. Since these flowers originate from marshlands they prefer damp soil and partial shade. But avoid over watering the plant as the bulb might rot. Calla lilies can survive a minor frost. Calla lilies bloom during winter and spring. If given extra nutrients and proper care, the calla lily can bloom all year around. Calla lilies are poisonous, and can cause throat swelling to the extent that breathing may become difficult or even stop entirely.
Calla lilies are extremely popular as cut flowers. They have a long vase life: about two weeks if properly tended. Calla lilies look great in bouquets and any other flower arrangement. A single white calla in an elegant crystal vase lights up a room like nothing else possibly can.
Upon its introduction to Europe, the Calla lily became an instant hit and is still very popular as a wedding flower.
Popular varieties include Zantedeschia aethiopica (the common calla), Zantedeschia elliottiana (the Golden Calla), Zantedeschia rehmannii (the pink calla), Zantedeschia albomaculata (the spotted calla), Zantedeschia pentlandii (the yellow calla), Zantedeschia jucunda (the yellow calla with white spotted leaves) and Zantedeschia odorata (the scented calla).
Zantedeschia aethiopica or the common calla is the large variety which is available in white and green hues. All other coloured varieties are commonly known as “mini callas” since their stem size is smaller and the bloom is also relatively smaller.
Calla Lilies Meaning
The calla lily symbolizes Sophistication and Majestic Beauty and is often used to signify Marriage or Resurrection. A symbol reminiscent of the Victorian era, this regally beautiful flower is associated with the sixth wedding anniversary. Calla lilies are also known to make their due appearances on funerals as well.
Calla Lilies Mythology
Due to their exquisite beauty, Calla lilies have often been used in many paintings, and one may find them in many of Diego Rivera's works of art like “Nude with Calla Lilies”.
