Comments (Meaning / History Only)

The name was invented in 1854 for the genus name of the Northern hemisphere Calla, or marsh arum (it's related to the arums, but is not an arum). Unfortunately it has nothing to do with Greek κάλλος (goodness, beauty), but is instead derived from καλλαια (cockscomb) from the resemblance of the berry cluster in texture and color. The Greek word seems derived from Latin gallus, rooster, and doesn't seem to be native.
Actually, the Calla Lily is neither a true lily, nor a calla. The flower comes from the Zantedeschia genus in the Araceae family.
Just seems like a variant of Carla to me, as it sounds exactly the same, and so loses its glamour somewhat.

Comments are left by users of this website. They are not checked for accuracy.

Add a Comment