calla

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calla

A single calla lily stands in a slender vase on a windowsill.

Definition

Noun 1. A type of flowering plant: A plant of the genus Zantedeschia, widely cultivated for its distinctive and showy flowers. The flower consists of a large, often white, petal-like sheath (spathe) surrounding a central yellow spike (spadix). 2. A specific common name: Often used specifically to refer to the common white calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), though the genus includes other colored varieties.

Usage Examples
  • The elegant white calla is a popular choice for wedding bouquets.
  • She planted calla lilies along the edge of the pond in her garden.
  • The florist arranged a dozen pink calla stems in a tall vase.
Advanced Usage
  • Botanical Context: In botanical terminology, the showy part of the calla is not a true petal but a modified leaf called a spathe. The true flowers are tiny and located on the central spadix.
  • Cultural Symbolism: The calla lily is often associated with purity, holiness, and rebirth, which contributes to its frequent use in religious and wedding ceremonies.
Variants and Related Words
  • Calla Lily: The most common full name for the plant.
  • Arum Lily: Another common name, particularly for the white species (), though it is botanically distinct from true plants in the genus.
  • Zantedeschia: The scientific genus name for the calla.
Synonyms
  • Arum lily
  • Trumpet lily
Notes on Different Meanings
  • The word calla refers specifically to plants in the genus . It should not be confused with true lilies, which belong to the genus . The common name "calla lily" is thus a misnomer from a botanical perspective.
calla

A single calla lily stands in a slender vase on a windowsill.

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