Zantedeschia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. They are indigenous to South Africa but also occur north towards Malawi. The name of the genus was given as a tribute to Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi. Common names include arum lily, calla and calla lily although it is neither a true lily (Liliaceae), nor an Arum or a Calla (related genera in Araceae). In Afrikaans some common names include aronskelk and varkoor. It has often been used in paintings, and is visible in many of Diego Rivera’s works of art. It was a favourite subject of the painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Zantedeschia species are rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plants growing to 1-2.5 m tall with leaves 1545 cm long. The inflorescence is a showy white, yellow or pink spathe shaped like a funnel with a yellow, central, finger-like spadix. Currently 8 true species are recognized, these being Zantedeschia aethiopica (Giant White Arum Lily or Common Arum Lily), Zantedeschia albomaculata (Spotted Leaved White Arum Lily), Zantedeschia elliottiana (Yellow or Golden Arum Lily), Zantedeschia jucunda, Zantedeschia odorata, Zantedeschia pentlandii, Zantedeschia rehmannii (Pink Arum Lily) and Zantedeschia valida. All Zantedeschias produce large, showy flowers spathes and are often grown both as ornamental plants and for cut flowers. Zantedeschia are cold hardy plants, but some are more winter-hardy than others. The white Zantedeschia aethiopica and some of its relatives can survive at minimum winter temperatures below -23°C.

This lily is cream coloured and has a deep purple/black throat. These tender, herbaceous and aquatic, deciduous perennials are native to South Africa. They can be planted in a greenhouse that has a minimum temperature of 50 degrees or outside where climates are mild. They are mainly grown for their attractive, large flower spathes, which are usually produced in the spring and summer. This variety grows 2 to 3 feet high. The Black-throated Calla has greenish-yellow or pale yellow spath with noticeable purple-black spots on the bases inside and green leaves spotted with white oblong splotches. Even though these plants are terrestrial, they are moisture loving and can be adapted to growing in shallow water. They are beautiful plants for growing in the water garden.