Arum Lilies: South Africa’s Iconic Wildflower

Arum Lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica): South Africa’s Wild Treasure

Arum lilies, botanically known as Zantedeschia aethiopica, are a striking presence across South Africa’s wetlands, meadows, and gardens. With their luxurious white, funnel-shaped flowers and glossy arrow-shaped leaves, these plants have captivated botanists, gardeners, and florists worldwide. Although native to South Africa, their elegant resilience has led them to thrive far beyond their homeland.

Origins and Native Habitat

The arum lily is indigenous to South Africa, flourishing naturally in damp grasslands, riverbanks, and marshes. These landscapes—ranging from the Western Cape’s misty wetlands to the lush banks of KwaZulu-Natal—are where masses of these plants transform the scenery into seas of white during the spring and early summer. Their adaptability to a variety of conditions has made them both a cherished wildflower and, at times, a horticultural challenge elsewhere.

Wild South African Landscapes

• Widespread across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape provinces.
• Commonly found in wetlands, streamsides, and pasturelands.
• Peaks in bloom during spring to early summer, creating dramatic floral displays.

Arum Lily Botanical Features

The botanical elegance of the arum lily is found in its signature white “flower” (technically a spathe) and arrow-shaped foliage. These features make them instantly recognizable and highly sought after as ornamental and cut flowers.

Similar Species

• Italian Arum (Arum italicum): A similar species with distinctive white leaf veins, less common and also considered weedy in some regions.

Ecological Adaptations and Spread

Arum lilies have an impressive ecological versatility. While beloved in gardens, their resilience means they can outcompete native flora if introduced outside their natural range.

• Capable of forming dense stands in pastures and wetlands, impeding water flow and overshadowing indigenous vegetation.
• Highly adaptable—tolerating full sun, partial shade, wet, and even relatively dry conditions once mature.
• Drought-resistant once established, and persists under regenerating canopies.
• Resistant to wind, salt spray, and a wide range of soil types.

Spread Mechanisms

• Expands by slow clump formation, new shoots from the rootstock.
• Seeds: Drop near parent plants, sometimes distributed by birds and water; relocated via dumped vegetation and soil movement.
• Perpetuates easily due to tuber division and seed resilience.

Global Cultivation and Ornamental Appeal

Valued far beyond their South African origins, arum lilies are prized ornamentals and staples in the international floral industry. Their robust beauty and adaptability have made them ubiquitous features in gardens, especially in regions with temperate or Mediterranean climates.

• Widely cultivated in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
• Ideal as marginal plants for ponds, streams, and damp areas.
• Famed as a cut flower for both weddings and funerals due to their pure white flowers and long-lasting vase life.
• Available as bulbs, rhizomes, or established plugs in garden centers.

Ornamental Uses

• Garden Borders: Boast dense clumps and lush foliage.
• Pond Edges: Thrive in shallow water and provide architectural vertical interest.
• Cut Flower Arrangements: World-renowned for longevity and style.
• Suitable for containers, though need generous moisture and space.

Growing and Caring for Arum Lilies

If you’d like to cultivate the splendor of arum lilies in your own garden, understanding their preferred growing conditions is essential.

• Light: Prefer full sun or partial shade; tolerate deep shade but with reduced blooms.
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, moderately acidic to neutral; can adapt to clay, loam, and even temporarily flooded soils.
• Water: Abundant water in the growing season, but avoid waterlogging when dormant.
• Spacing: Allow for 30–60 cm between clumps for optimal air circulation and growth.
• Hardiness: Frost-tolerant to a degree but may need protection in severe climates.

Propagation

• By Division: Separate rhizomes in autumn or early spring, ensuring each segment has roots attached.
• From Seeds: More challenging, as seed-grown plants take years to flower, and many cultivars are sterile.

Maintenance Tips

• Cut back dead foliage after flowering and avoid letting seed heads develop unless naturalizing.
• Mulch generously to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize in early spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, which are rare but can include snails or aphids.

Toxicity and Wildlife Considerations

All parts of the arum lily plant are toxic if ingested by humans or animals. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloid compounds, which can cause irritation, digestive upset, or, in rare cases, more severe symptoms.

• Livestock and pets should be kept away from arum lilies; grazing animals will generally avoid these plants due to their taste and toxicity.
• Despite toxicity, some birds naturally disperse seeds.

Ecological Impact: From Wetland Beauty to Weedy Invader

While an asset to South Africa’s native landscapes, arum lilies can become invasive in regions where they escape from cultivation. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, uncontrolled populations crowd out indigenous species and disrupt water movement in wetlands.

Managing Arum Lily Spread

• Invasive in some introduced areas; proactive management and responsible planting are essential.
• Avoid discarding tubers or spent plants into waterways or natural landscapes.
• Cutting off flowers before they set seed can limit spread.
• In regulated environments, herbicides or manual removal may be recommended.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond their physical beauty, arum lilies are imbued with symbolic meanings. Their prominent stature in cut flower arrangements and ceremonial uses has linked them with purity, mourning, rebirth, and celebration across various cultures.

• Weddings: Emblematic of purity and new beginnings; favored in bridal bouquets and centerpieces.
• Funerals: Associated with sympathy, resurrection, and remembrance.
• Feature prominently in South African heritage floral displays and public gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Arum Lilies?

Arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are flowering plants native to South Africa, renowned for their broad, glossy arrowhead leaves and stately white flowers.

Are Arum Lilies only found in South Africa?

No, while native to South Africa, arum lilies have spread worldwide. They’re now common in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and cultivated in temperate regions across the globe.

What conditions do Arum Lilies prefer?

They grow best in moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and thrive in full sun to partial shade. However, they can tolerate a range of light and soil conditions once mature.

Are Arum Lilies poisonous?

Yes, all parts of the arum lily are toxic due to calcium oxalate and certain alkaloids. They should not be ingested by people or animals and care should be taken when handling them, especially around children and pets.

Can Arum Lilies become invasive?

In some regions outside South Africa, especially where the climate matches their natural habitat, arum lilies can spread aggressively and displace native plants. Gardeners should cultivate them responsibly and manage their seed set.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Common Name: Arum Lily (Calla Lily, Death Lily)
• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
• Native Range: South Africa
• Flowering Period: Spring to early summer
• Typical Height: 60–150 cm (2–5 ft)
• Preferred Environment: Wetlands, streambanks, moist garden spots
• Uses: Ornamental, cut flowers, symbolic in ceremonies

Inspiration: Utilizing Arum Lilies in Your Garden

Create dramatic focal points or naturalistic sweeps in your landscape by integrating arum lilies into moist borders, beside water features, or within mixed perennial plantings. With proper site selection, these plants bring vigor, elegance, and seasonal interest to both formal and informal gardens the world over.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta