Definition

Noun: 1. A flowering plant: A plant (Zantedeschia aethiopica) native to southern Africa but widely cultivated in gardens and as a cut flower. It is characterized by a large, showy, white, funnel-shaped bract (spathe) surrounding a central yellow spike (spadix).

Usage

The term "arum lily" is used to refer to the specific plant species. It is a common name, and the plant is also frequently called "calla lily," though it is not a true lily. - It is used in botanical, horticultural, and everyday contexts. - It typically functions as a countable noun (e.g., an arum lily, several arum lilies).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden border was brightened by a cluster of elegant arum lilies.
  • She carried a bouquet of white arum lilies at her wedding.
  • The arum lily thrives in moist soil and can even grow in shallow water.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Distinction: While commonly called a lily, the arum lily is not a member of the true lily family (Liliaceae). It belongs to the arum family (Araceae). This distinction is important in botanical science.
• Cultural Symbolism: In some contexts, the white arum lily is a symbol of purity and is often associated with religious ceremonies and funerals.

Variants and Related Words

• Calla lily: A very common synonym for , especially in floral and decorative contexts.
• Zantedeschia aethiopica: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the species.
• Spathe: The noun for the large, conspicuous white bract that is the most recognizable feature of the flower.
• Spadix: The noun for the central finger-like yellow spike covered in tiny true flowers.

Synonyms

• Calla lily: The most direct and frequently used synonym.
• Trumpet lily: A less common descriptive name, referring to the shape of the spathe.

Notes

• The term "arum lily" is sometimes confused with plants from the true genus (e.g., , lords-and-ladies). While related in the same family, they are different genera and have different appearances (typically with a purple or green spathe).
• All parts of the arum lily plant are poisonous if ingested.

Noun

1. South African plant widely cultivated for its showy pure white spathe and yellow spadix