Zantedeschia | |
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Zantedeschia elliottiana | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
Order: | Alismatales |
Family: | Araceae |
Subfamily: | Aroideae |
Tribe: | Zantedeschieae |
Genus: |
Zantedeschia Spreng. Syst. Veg. 3: 756, 765 (1826) |
Type species | |
Zantedeschia aethiopica (L.) Spreng |
|
Synonyms | |
Houttinia Neck. |
Houttinia Neck.
Colocasia Link
Richardia Kunth
Otosma Raf.
Arodes Heist. ex Kuntze
Pseudohomalomena A.D.Hawkes
Zantedeschia /ˌzæntᵻˈdɛskiə/ is a genus of 8 species of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi. The genus has been introduced on all continents except Antarctica. Common names include arum lily for Z. aethiopica and calla and calla lily for Z. elliottiana and Z. rehmannii, although members of the genus are neither true lilies of Liliaceae, true Arums, or true Callas (related genera in Araceae). They are also often confused with Anthurium. The colourful flowers and leaves of both species and cultivars are greatly valued and commonly grown as ornamental plants.