Despite their name, Calla Lilies are not true lilies. They belong to the family Araceae and are native to southern Africa, specifically South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. When properly cared for, Calla Lilies can last up to two weeks in a vase, making them a great choice for long-lasting floral displays. While Calla Lilies are beautiful, it’s important to handle them with care as they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested. Even though they are toxic, callas are considered a delicacy in some Asian countries - The bulbs are cultivated for cooking by removing the poisonous inner flowers. They are often found growing in damp or marshy areas, as they prefer moist soil and can even tolerate being partially submerged in water. Certain parts of the Calla Lily plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation and respiratory problems .Ancient cultures were enamored with the charm and allure of calla lilies; The name calla itself means “beautiful” in Greek. So as you could guess, calla lilies were and are a symbol of beauty to this day.
