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Black calla

How to identify Black calla (Arum palaestinum)

Black calla, also known as Priest's hood, Kardi, Black calla lily, Solomons lily, Wild calla

Black calla boasts distinctive, trowel-shaped foliage that forms a verdant clump, persisting through the winter months. Come spring, a striking spadix, dark purplish-black in hue, emerges, enveloped by a spathe of similar coloration with a light green exterior. Emitting a scent reminiscent of decaying fruit, this aroma lures flies for pollination. The lifecycle culminates in berry-like fruits that ripen to a vivid red, fading into a dormant stage during the heat of summer. For robust growth, a well-draining site is essential.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Black calla

1

Trowel-shaped leaves, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long, with smooth texture and glossy green color.

2

Deep purple spadix, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length, surrounded by red to black spathe.

3

Cluster of vibrant red berries, smooth and glossy, contrasting against green foliage.

4

Distinctive spadix and spathe emit subtle, earthy scent, blooming in spring.

5

Berries ripen to red seeds, small size fitting in palm, signaling maturity and dispersal.

Black callaBlack callaBlack callaBlack callaBlack calla

Detailed Traits of Black calla

Leaf Features

Black calla leaves are trowel-shaped, ranging from 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. They are vibrant green with a slightly glossy surface. The texture is smooth and the leaves exhibit a prominent, reticulated vein pattern. The margins of the leaves are entire, without serrations or lobes. The base of each leaf is slightly cordate (heart-shaped), tapering to a pointed tip. These distinctive leaves are crucial for identifying black calla in its natural habitat.

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Flower Features

Black calla boasts a striking deep purple spadix, measuring approximately 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length. This spadix is elegantly surrounded by a distinctive spathe that varies in hue from red purple-brown to almost black. The spathe, which typically reaches 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height, envelops the spadix in a dramatic, funnel-shaped enclosure. These flowers emit a subtle, earthy scent and usually bloom in spring, making them easy to identify during this season.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of black calla emerges as a striking cluster of berries. Upon maturity, these berries transform into vibrant red seeds that catch the eye, nestled within a protective, fleshy spathe. Each berry is typically round in shape, with a smooth and glossy surface that gives a hint at their succulence. The size of the fruit is generally small, fitting easily into the palm of a hand. The berries' contrasting coloration against the green foliage makes them particularly distinctive, serving as a visual cue for maturity and seed dispersal readiness.

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Key Facts About Black calla

Attributes of Black calla
Plant Height
10 cm to 25 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Color
Purple
Black
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
The Toxicity of Black calla
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Scientific Classification of Black calla

Family
Arum
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Species
Black calla (Arum palaestinum)
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Distribution Map of Black calla

Black calla is naturally endemic to the Levantine region in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, characterized by its rich and diverse flora. Beyond its native habitats, black calla has been cultivated in several other regions. Its spread is primarily attributed to human activity, expanding its presence in temperate climates globally through botanical gardens and private cultivation.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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