Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum lily (Araceae) Evergreen perennial

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum lily
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Zantedeschia aethiopica plant species is found in S. Africa. Locally naturalized in S. and W. Europe[50]. It is a member of the Araceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Arum lily.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Zantedeschia aethiopica
Common Name:  Arum lily
Family:  Araceae
Author:  (L.)Spreng.

Known Hazards:  Many plants in this family are poisonous raw, due to the presence of calcium oxylate crystals. If eaten raw, this toxin gives you a sensation as if hundreds of tiny needles are sticking into the mouth, tongue etc. However, it is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant. Although no specific mention has been seen for this plant it is wise to assume that it is poisonous in its raw state.

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Wet marshy places[73, 90].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a very rich soil in full sun or shade[1, 200]. Best when growing in full sun[90]. Succeeds in wet soils or water up to 30cm deep[1, 200]. This species is only hardy to between -5 and -10°c[200], although some selected forms, such as 'Crowborough' and 'Green Spathe', are hardy in most parts of Britain if they are planted deeply in shallow water to about 30 cm deep[1, 90, 200]. It is best to cover plants with bracken in the winter in order to protect against exceptional frosts[90]. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]

For further Zantedeschia aethiopica gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future