The white arum lily, also known as calla lily or Easter lily, is one of the world’s most iconic and widely-known plants. It is native to Southern Africa, where it grows in marshy places. The plant was introduced to Europe already more than 400 years ago.
The white arum lily is well known for its striking appearance when in flower, with its brilliant white spathe (floral bract) surrounding the central yellow spadix (floral spike). The ‘flower’ is actually many tiny flowers arranged in a complex spiral pattern on the spadix. They are partitioned in male and female zones. The top 7 cm contain male flowers with stringy pollen. The lower 1.8 cm contain female flowers with an ovary with a short stalk above it, where the pollen is received. The flowers are pollinated by various crawling insects and bees.
The white arum lily is not a lily but an aroid [species in the Arum family]. Yet it is associated with the lily as a symbol of purity and, therefore, widely used in bridal and funeral flower arrangements. Due to its striking inflorescences, the white arum lily is very popular as cut flowers and as an ornamental.
In my photograph only the top of the central yellow spadix with the male flowers is visible. The female flowers are below the rim of the spathe.