Discovering the Origin of Calla Lily Plant:
A Historical Perspective

The calla lily plant is a popular ornamental plant that has captured the hearts of gardeners and florists alike. With its striking trumpet-shaped flower, it’s no surprise that this plant has become a staple in gardens, weddings, and other special events. However, many people are unaware of the origin of this beautiful flower. In this article, we will take a historical perspective on the discovery of the calla lily plant.

The Early Beginnings

The calla lily plant belongs to the Araceae family, which has more than 2,500 species. The Araceae family originated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, such as Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The calla lily plant is native to southern Africa and was discovered by European explorers in the 17th century.

Carl Linnaeus’ Contribution

The taxonomy of plants was established by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. He was a Swedish botanist who created a system for naming and classifying plants based on their morphology. Linnaeus named the calla lily plant Zantedeschia aethiopica in 1753. The name Zantedeschia was given in honor of Giovanni Zantedeschi, an Italian physician and botanist who worked in Venice during the 18th century. Aethiopica refers to Ethiopia, which is where Linnaeus believed the plant originated.

The Confusion with Arum Lily

For many years, there was confusion about the taxonomy of the calla lily plant. The plant was often confused with another species called Arum lily (Arum maculatum), which is native to Europe. Both plants have similar-looking flowers and belong to the same family. It wasn’t until 1983 that the confusion was resolved when DNA analysis showed that they were two separate species.

Commercial Cultivation

The calla lily plant has been cultivated for commercial purposes since the early 20th century. In 1917, a Dutch horticulturist named Gerrit Stolwijk began cultivating calla lilies for cut flower production. He used selective breeding techniques to create new varieties with different colors and sizes of flowers.

Today, calla lilies are grown commercially all over the world, but the largest producers are still located in the Netherlands. The flowers are used for cut flower arrangements, potted plants, and as garden plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the calla lily plant is a beautiful ornamental plant that has been around for centuries. Its history can be traced back to southern Africa where it was first discovered by European explorers in the 17th century. Carl Linnaeus named it Zantedeschia aethiopica in honor of an Italian botanist and physician. Despite confusion with Arum lilies, commercial cultivation began in the early 20th century and continues to be a popular choice for cut flower production today.

FAQ

What does “Zantedeschia” mean?

Zantedeschia is named after Giovanni Zantedeschi, an Italian physician and botanist who worked in Venice during the 18th century.

Where is the largest producer of calla lilies located?

The largest producer of calla lilies is still located in the Netherlands.

Can calla lilies grow outside of Africa?

Yes, calla lilies can be grown all over the world as long as they have suitable growing conditions such as warm temperatures and well-draining soil.