Zantedeschia aethiopica

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. It is also commonly known as the Arum Lily or Calla Lily, although it is neither a true lily (Liliaceae), nor Arum or Calla (related genera in Araceae). It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, evergreen where rainfall and temperatures are adequate, deciduous where there is a dry season.

Description[edit | edit source]

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a robust plant, growing to 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall, with lush, bright green foliage. The leaves are large, 15–45 cm (5.9–17.7 in), and broadly arrow-shaped. The flowers are large, produced in spring, summer and autumn, with a pure white spathe up to 25 cm (9.8 in) and a yellow spadix up to 90 mm (3.5 in) long.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a popular garden plant, both as an ornamental plant and cut flower. It is hardy to USDA Zone 8. It can be grown in containers, and its cut flowers will last up to two weeks in a vase. It prefers full sun to semi-shade, and requires a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and regular watering during the flowering season.

Toxicity[edit | edit source]

All parts of the plant are toxic, and produce irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, acute vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. The plant is especially dangerous for cats and dogs, where ingestion can lead to coma and death.

Uses[edit | edit source]

In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, Zantedeschia aethiopica has been used in traditional medicine. The raw plant is toxic, but once cooked, the corms can be used to treat ailments such as asthma, rheumatism, and kidney ailments.

See also[edit | edit source]


Stub icon
   This article is a Araceae-related stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections in NYC from $125 and up biweekly

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia and visit Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD