CALLA LILY 



Richardia africana was introduced into England from the Cape 

 of Good Hope in the year 1731, under the name of Calla ^thi- 

 6 pica, by which it is still known in many trade lists; though it has 

 long been removed "from the genus Calla. 



The flowering column starts from the fleshy root, protected by 

 the enrolling leaf or leaves, which it finally outstrips in height. 

 As the spadix rises and matures, the spathe enlarges, flattens, 

 and bends backward, becomes cream-white in color, but still 

 wraps so close about its treasures that only the top of a little 

 column suggests the wealth of stamens and pistils hidden within. 

 Sports with double and triple spathes often occur. The species 

 has varied into many forms, both standard and dwarf. 



