Scientific Name
Arum palaestinum Boiss.
Common Name(s)
Black Calla Lily, Black Calla, Solomon's Lily, Palestine Arum, Black Arum, Priest's Hood, Noo'ah Loof, Kardi
Synonym(s)
Arum magdalenae, Arum sanctum, Richardia sancta
Scientific Classification
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Areae
Genus: Arum
Origin
Arum palaestinum is native to the Levant and other parts of the Mediterranean Basin and has been naturalized in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Flower
Color: Dark purplish-black
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Arum palaestinum is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Dark green trowel-shaped foliage emerges from the tuber during the fall to form a nice clump of foliage that remains up during the winter. Flowers appear in the spring, by which time the plant is easily recognized by its dark purplish-black spadix enclosed by a reddish-brown spathe.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 7a to 9b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Arums are quite easy to grow. The shade/part shade species need moist but free-draining soil. Their biggest threat comes from drought. However, most species are sun lovers and are grown on what is known as the "Mediterranean Cycle," which is a warm and dry summer and a cool and wet winter. The most important thing with this latter group is drainage. Drainage should be very sharp as they will not tolerate sitting in water at all.
Feeding is a good idea with Arums, especially if they are in pots. Feed with a high nitrogen liquid feed once a fortnight. This will feed the leaves, which in turn will feed the tuber/rhizome.
When potting up tuberous aroids, use a pot three times the diameter of the tuber. See more at How to Grow and Care for Arums.
Links
- Back to genus Arum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.


