"Calla Lilies" -"Arum Lilies" - notes on word usage
angela offer (Sat, 17 Jun 2006 18:36:52 PDT)
The pretty small llilies callas ie hotshot, majestic red etc, are theses
true callas or Zantedescia?
Info would be very apprediciated- and where do the plants originate?
Angela
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Waddick" <jwaddick@kc.rr.com>
To: "Pacific Bulb Society" <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 11:24 PM
Subject: [pbs] "Calla Lilies" -"Arum Lilies" - notes on word usage
Dear all;
I noticed these topics recently and was slightly put off by
their inaccuracy and I don't think any one noted that neither Callas
(Genus Zantedeschia) or Arum (Genus Zantedeschia) are actually
lilies. Both of these common names refer to plants NOT in the lily
family or closely related. The names Arum and Calla actually refer to
genera by those name and not the Genus under discussion. The common
names can refer to other plants, too.
The genus Calla is a small genus of northern marshy aroids,
while the genus Arum is larger in number of species and
distribution. Neither overlaps with Zantedeschia.
Likewise 'Canna Lilies' are not true lilies, but more
correctly called just 'Canna'. Just as peony roses are not roses.
If this list is to have educational value these crucial
differences should be made clear. So this note is not a chastisement,
but for clarity and better understanding of where these things all
fit into a bigger picture. We have often grumbled about the peculiar
nature of common names especially regional ones.
Hope this helps.
Best Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +
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