RICHARDIA, 267 
cold winds are fatal; on the other hand, they will not 
endure intense sunshine, so that great care is required 
in shading and ventilating, to imitate well the cool, 
moist climate of EKurope. 
RICHARDIA. 
Calla. Egyptian or Arum Lily. Lily of the Nile. 
Calla is a popular name given this flower by Pliny. 
It is, botanically, ichardia ethiopica (synonym 
R. africana), and is the best representative of the 
genus, which contains five species. They abound in the 
Nile, and flower during the season of high water, which 
covers the roots to the depth of several inches. After 
the spring freshets have subsided the water falls below 
the roots, and the tops die down, fall over and protect 
the roots against the tropical sun. This is the period of 
rest that nature furnishes this plant, during which time 
the temporary bed of the river, in which they grow, is 
as dry as dust. In this condition they remain several 
months, or until they are again covered with water, 
when growth is renewed. 
To grow the Calla well, these conditions must be 
approximated. While we cannot afford them rivers to 
grow in, we must afford them an abundance of water, a 
moderately high temperature and a rich soil. In pot 
culture, too large pots must not be given them; a six- 
inch size is sufficiently large for a plant with two or 
three crowns, which should give several blooms each. 
In large pots, leaf growth will be the result, rather than 
flowers. In using small pots, liquid manure, in some 
form, should be applied at least once a week. Another 
disadvantage in the use of large pots is, that the flowers 
are too large for real beauty, or for use as cut flowers. 
The same result follows from planting them out in beds 
in the greenhouse. 
