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Zantedeschia aethiopica

by Johan Wentzel

Zantedeschia aethiopica
Common Name
White arum
Plant Type
Bulb
Zantedeschia aethiopica is water loving and grows best in semi-shade on the Highveld. It can tolerate extreme cold but then it goes dormant in Winter.
Plant Description

Zantedeschia aethiopica is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, evergreen where rainfall and temperatures are adequate, deciduous where there is a dry or cold season. Its preferred habitat is in streams and ponds or on the banks of rivers. It grows to 0.6–1 m  tall, with large clumps of broad, arrow shaped dark green leaves up to 45 cm long. The inflorescences are large and are produced in spring, summer and autumn, with a pure white spathe up to 25 cm  and a yellow spadix up to 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in) long.  The spadix produces a faint, sweet fragrance.

Zantedeschia aethiopica is best grown near or in water. If that is not the case, it can be planted in semi-shade.

It makes an excellent cut flower. Some interesting varieties are also available such as "Green goddess" and "Marshmallow".

This is the only Zantedeschia that is evergreen - all the others are deciduous.

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
Varkoor
Hardiness
Very hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Keep moist
Evergreen
Evergreen
Growth Rate
Fast
Flowering Time
All year
Flower Colour
White
Shape
Clump forming
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
50cm
Region
Free State, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Habitat
Moist areas, Riverine
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes
  • Zantedeschia aethiopica
  • Zantedeschia aethiopica

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Johan – 082 801 1741
[email protected]

Annette – 082 908 6591
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