16 September 2008

One man's flower, another man's weed

posted by Paul
Arum LilyAccording to my sources it would seem that the Arum Lily is indigenous to Africa only, and found predominantly in southern Africa. We have a few Zantedeschia Aethiopica plants flowering in our garden at this very moment, in fact.

At some stage it would seem that the Arum Lily was taken over to Australia, where it flourished and was subsequently declared a weed. In true Australian style [we do love you guys ;)] the government had strict laws enforced with respect to the transport and control of the plant.

What few may know (I certainly didn't) is that the boiled Arum Lily was, and perhaps still is, used by traditional medicine practitioners as a cure for headaches as well as a means to reduce skin inflammation.

Disclaimer: We don't suggest that you actually try using the plant for medicinal purposes... at least not before doing a truck-load of research on the Internet. :)

Tip: And, never utter the words "I read on the internet..." in the presence of your doctor.

7 Comments:

Blogger Sharon said...

It really is a beautiful flower.

17 September 2008 01:26  
Blogger Kerry-Anne said...

Thanks for visiting, Sharon. It is indeed. :)

17 September 2008 12:01  
Anonymous Wessel Venter said...

I recall hearing long ago that it is illegal to pick these flowers "along the road" i.e. in public areas. It breaks my heart to see bucketsful of these beautiful flowers being sold by traffic stops every spring. :,-(

18 September 2008 03:45  
Blogger Karin said...

That is a fabulous shot, I love it!

18 September 2008 10:33  
Blogger Paul said...

Thanks Karin. :)
Do you see many of these flowers in Jo'burg? With the heat that you've been having I'd imagine the flowers will have been taking strain.

18 September 2008 10:50  
Blogger BLEEDING ORANGE said...

Beautiful flower and great picture too! Thanx for sharing all these informations with us.

19 September 2008 12:25  
Blogger Philip said...

excellent flower photo great lighting

19 September 2008 02:54  

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