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water arum

Scientific Name: Calla palustris

Family: Araceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IL (water arum), IN (wild calla), MD (wild calla)

       

Calla palustris: Water Arum, Wild Calla

Calla palustris, a captivating aquatic plant, goes by several common names, including Water Arum, Wild Calla, Bog Arum, Marsh Calla, Swamp Lily, and Water-dragon.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Calla palustris
  • Family: Araceae (Arum Family)
  • Synonyms: Several "Arum hygrophilum Boiss." varieties and subspecies are mentioned, though the exact relationship to Calla palustris is unclear from the text.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Calla palustris is distributed across the northern temperate zone, including Europe, Asia, and northern North America.
  • It is native to bogs, marshes, pond peripheries, slow-moving stream margins, and swamps.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • This is an aquatic wild plant.
  • It is a native erect perennial, growing 5 to 10 inches high.
  • Leaves are heart-shaped, glossy dark green, and basal, arising from the rhizome.
  • It bears exotic white, Arum Lily-like flowers in summer. The "petal" is actually a sheath that protects the flower head.
  • It produces red berries.
  • The plant has fleshy, jointed stalks.
  • It is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions an edibility test similar to that of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, involving chewing a small amount to assess edibility (although this should not be attempted without expert knowledge).
  • It is a popular choice for Everquest players! (as a quest item in the game)