Zantedeschia
/zantəˈdɛʃɪə/noun
A genus of African plants of the family Araceae, comprising rhizomatous perennials with showy lily-like flowers of various colours. Also: (in form zantedeschia) a plant of this genus, especially Z. aethiopica, the arum or calla lily.
- Formerly placed in a genus Richardia..
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Lindley (1799–1865), botanist and horticulturist. From scientific Latin Zantedeschia, genus name from the name of Giovanni Zantedeschi, Italian physician and botanist + -ia.