The common name for Calla palustris is water arum or wild calla. This beautiful plant is native to various wetland habitats, including bogs, marshes, pond peripheries, slow-moving stream margins, seepages, and swamps. It can be found in regions such as Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States, stretching from New England and New York to northern Illinois and North Dakota.
Water arum, with its unique and intriguing name, immediately captures the imagination. When I first encountered this plant in a marshy area near my hometown, I was instantly drawn to its elegant appearance and distinctive features. The common name “water arum” perfectly describes its natural habitat and the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of the arum family of plants.
The alternative common name, “wild calla,” emphasizes the plant’s resemblance to the calla lily, a popular and widely recognized flower. The term “wild” adds a touch of untamed beauty and hints at the plant’s ability to thrive in natural wetland environments. This name is fitting as it distinguishes Calla palustris from the more commonly cultivated calla lilies found in gardens.
In my personal experience, encountering water arum in its natural habitat is a mesmerizing sight. The glossy, dark green leaves rise from the water’s edge, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding wetland vegetation. The leaves are arrowhead-shaped, with a vibrant sheen that catches the sunlight and adds a touch of brilliance to the landscape.
One of the most captivating aspects of water arum is its unique flower structure. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, clustered together on a fleshy spike known as a spadix. Surrounding the spadix is a modified leaf called a spathe, which is often white or cream-colored and wraps around the flowers like a protective cloak. This combination of tiny flowers and delicate spathe creates a whimsical and enchanting appearance.
Water arum’s common names, water arum and wild calla, effectively capture its essence and habitat. They serve as an invitation to explore wetland areas where this captivating plant thrives. Whether you come across water arum in a secluded bog or a tranquil pond, its presence adds a touch of natural beauty to any wetland ecosystem.
