Zantedeschia aethiopica (Calla Lily)

Native to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, this rhizomatous perennial herb forms clumps of large, arrow-shaped leaves and usually grows about 2 to 3 feet tall. The showy white spathe is a modified leaf surrounding a yellow spadix bearing the tiny true flowers. Popular as a cut flower, it also grows along streams, pond margins and marshes. It can remain evergreen in moist, mild conditions but loses its leaves during prolonged drought or cold. In southwestern Western Australia, it is invasive and can displace native wetland vegetation. Its calcium oxalate crystals cause painful mouth irritation if eaten. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.