Zantedeschia aethiopica Prince Amaël

Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Prince Amel' is a new Ethiopian arum with unique foliage, speckled with white, and a flowering season that is earlier, longer, and more abundant than that of the usual species. Its white cone-shaped flowers, slightly smaller than those of the classic garden arum, bloom abundantly from spring to summer. This perennial will thrive in moist and fertile soil, in a large pot, or in the garden with winter protection. The sale of each plant will contribute 1 euro to the Children Of The Sun association, which works to help and develop children in Ethiopia.

Originally from South Africa, specifically from the Transvaal, the Ethiopian Arum has become naturalised worldwide. Like it, 'Prince Amel', is a herbaceous perennial plant with a tuberous rhizome belonging to the Araceae family. This selection was distinguished at the Salon du Vegetal in 2015. From spring, numerous long-petioled leaves emerge from its stump, with a wide lance-shaped lamina, shiny, slightly smaller than those of the typical species. They are entirely speckled with white on a dark green background. The plant quickly forms clumps that will not exceed 60-70 cm (24-28in) in height when flowering and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width. The flowering occurs from May to July-August, without interruption, provided that the plant does not lack water. This flowering can be easily advanced by forcing in a greenhouse. The inflorescences are composed of a very pale yellow spadix, discreet, surrounded by a pure white spathe, flared in the shape of a cone, with a velvety texture that blends with the rough touch of parchment. The scent, quite subtle, can be perceived by burying one's nose in the heart of the flowers. It evokes the scent of anise and rice powder.

Long considered cold and static flowers, uprooted from the ground to adorn solemn bouquets or laden with religious evocations, arums are making a comeback. Their generous clumps enhance the edges of well-designed ponds and allow for the creation of beautiful potted arrangements. Zantedeschia aethiopica Prince Amel, with its modest stature, is particularly suited for pot cultivation, which also allows it to be protected from severe frost in winter. As the hardiness of this selection is still poorly evaluated, it is advisable, as a precaution, to plant its stump in a rather well-drained soil and protect it with a thick mulch in winter in our cold regions.