A LILY BY ANY OTHER NAME
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Common names: Arum Lily, Pig Lily, Calla Lily or “Varkblom”
At this time of the year, you will see vendors along the N1 and N2 selling Arum Lilies. Being indigenous to South Arica and a long-lasting cut flower, everybody wants to buy these beautiful flowers. But, please, rather buy from trades in demarcated areas and NOT from hawkers. The illegal harvesting of Arum Lilies will not necessarily lead to the extinction of Arum Lily frogs, but it is definitely a cause for concern.
Frogs on Arum Lilies
There are two different species of frogs, the Micra frog (Microbatrachella capensis) and the Arum Lily frog (Hyperolius horstockii) which are found living in close proximity with the Arum Lilies. The Arum Lily frog grows up to 4cm in length and they are only found in the Western Cape. Both these frogs breed in wetlands where Arum Lilies grow wild in the wintertime. The Arum Lily frog is very pale and they hide their bright orange feet and legs under their bodies during the day. In this way, they use the white of the Arum Lily flower as camouflage against predators. The frog is frequently found lying at the bottom of Arum Lilies trying to catch pollinating insects. Contrary to popular belief it is not threatened by the collection and sale of Arum Lily flowers, but there is evidence of the population having disappeared due to the effects of urban and agricultural expansion which has resulted in habitat loss.
So, how can we help?
Let’s plant Arum Lilies!
And, this is how:
1. Cultivation
Zantedeschia aethiopica plants propagate well from seed and plants can be divided by splitting clump tubers at the start of Spring.
2. Natural habitat and distribution
Plant the lilies in swamp areas with the sun to semi-shade. A too-dense shade will render fewer flowers with long leave stalks.
3. Water requirements
Keep moist, especially in summer in the Western Cape, where the plants will be dormant if the soil dries out.
4. Maintenance
Arum lilies are low maintenance plants. Keep them mulched and cut off dead leaves and flower stalks to keep tidy – avoid pulling them out as it could damage the plant. Remember to add plenty of compost in summer.
5. Landscaping uses
A versatile plant perfect for mass planting in marshy areas and stream banks. They are beautiful filler plants and a good cut flower.
6. Foliage and flowers
The foliage is heart-shaped and varies in size depending on growing conditions. Their leaves contain water stomata which can discharge excess water – this prevents waterlogging and enables the Arum Lily to grow in wet conditions. Arums have large white flowers that are magnificent cut flowers, lasting up to two weeks in a vase. They travel well and will last for at least a day out of water.
7. Ecological benefits
Besides sheltering the 2 frog species, the Arum Lily is also a larval host plant to the Hummingbird Hawk Moth Caterpillar. This caterpillar can eat overnight a large leaf leaving just the bare stalk left. Fortunately, they are never present in large numbers and can be removed by hand in the evening with the aid of a torchlight – they actively feed at night.
Warning! All parts of this plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested. The sap may irritate the skin and eyes. Zantedeschia contains calcium oxalate which may cause a severe burning sensation and swelling of the lips, tongue and throat if ingested. Another side effect is stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Zantedeschia aethiopica is part of the Western Cape and what will a Cape Winter be without all the white flowers along our roadsides?
Please help us conserve these beautiful indigenous plants.
To keep up to date with all Alimandi news, follow us on our social media platforms or sign up to our regular and valuable newsletter.
