Classification
Domain: Eukarya
The domain Eukarya contains organisms whose cells contain true
nuclei. Eukarya includes plants, animals, and fungi. Many of
these organisms are multi-cellular, but some are unicellular as
well. Z. aethiopica is just one of the many organisms belonging
to this domain, others may include animals like he
Slow Loris or the
Pipevine Swallowtail.
Kingdom: Plantae
The Calla Lily falls under the kingdom plantae because it is
multicellular and relies on photosynthesis to obtain its food.
Phylum: Tracheophya
Tracheophytes include all of the vascular plants. Vascular
plants utilize lignin and cellulose for support, they possess a
cuticle which prevents desiccation, and they also have roots and
a full vascular system for fluid transportation. Within this
group are the gymnosperms which are plants whose seeds do not
have an outer covering (pine cones for example), angiosperms
which are plants with seeds protected by a an outer covering
(pumpkin seeds for example), and ferns.
Class: Liliopsidea
this class, also known as the monocotyledons, consists of many
angiosperm species. These plants are seed plants that have
leaves with parallel veins. Other organisms in the class besides
the Zantedeschia aethiopica include orchids, lilies, and many
grasses.
Order: Arales
Order arales contains plants which are typically from the
tropics. A defining characteristic is that they all contain an
axis within their flower called a spadix. Z. aethiopica have a
golden spike-like spadix in the center of their white spathe.
Within this order contains plants who thrive in marsh
environments. The Calla Lily grows best in marshes, and can
sometimes be found in growing in shallow standing water.
Family: Araceae
Also known as the "Arum Family," this family contains plants
that produce raphides. Raphides are needle-like bundles made up
of calcium oxalate crystals which help deter predators. When
ingested these raphides from the Z. aethiopica can cause
swelling, itching, and burning. More information regarding the
symptoms caused by the raphides on a Calla Lily can be found
under poison on this webpage.
Genus: Zantedeschia
Plants in this genus live in moist, usually humid environments.
These perennials grow from tuberous rhizomes, which resemble
another flower bulb or a ginger root. Many of these flowers have
heart shaped leaves and can sport the occasional dot or two.
Species: Z. aethiopica
This particular arum flower enjoys water-logged environments,
has raphides for protection, and can originated in Southern
Africa. More information throughout the webpage!