Hello, Lykkers! Today's spotlight falls on a plant that graces many gardens but also holds a secret side—one that could be harmful to both the environment and health.

The Arum Lily, with its striking white flowers and lush green leaves, has made a name for itself as an ornamental plant. However, beneath its beauty lies a growing problem. Curious to learn more? Let's explore the world of the Arum Lily!

What Is the Arum Lily?

The Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), originally from South Africa, is a tall perennial herb that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. Its large, glossy green leaves are shaped like arrows, and its striking white flowers, shaped like funnels, feature a yellow central spike. Though it has long been cultivated for ornamental purposes, the plant has found a way to escape its garden confines and spread to new regions, particularly in temperate and subtropical climates.

How Does It Spread?

Arum Lily isn't content to stay in one place. This plant spreads in two main ways: through its seeds and its persistent underground rhizomes. With up to 500 seeds per flower head and thousands of seeds in dense patches, it doesn't take long for this beauty to overrun an area. Seeds spread via water, animals, or even discarded garden waste, while the rhizomes grow underground, allowing the plant to reproduce year after year. Once established, it forms dense clusters that crowd out other plants, posing a serious threat to local biodiversity.

In your own backyard, it may start as a lovely ornamental plant, but soon, its spread could be uncontrollable—overgrowing and pushing out the species that once thrived there. Have you noticed this plant making its way into wild areas, such as near creeks or wetlands?

Why Is It a Problem?

Despite its visual appeal, the Arum Lily presents several challenges. In damp environments like wetlands or creek banks, it competes with native plants and can completely dominate the undergrowth. In doing so, it disrupts local ecosystems by displacing native species and reducing biodiversity. The dense clumps of Arum Lily also interfere with water flow, blocking creeks and drains.

For agriculture, the plant's spread can be equally problematic. It competes with pasture, reducing available grazing space for livestock. Its toxins—found in all parts of the plant—pose a significant health risk to animals. Arum Lily's toxic properties extend to pets and humans as well, causing skin irritation, stomach issues, and in severe cases, fatalities. Children are particularly at risk, with poisoning symptoms ranging from swelling and burning of the mouth to severe gastrointestinal distress.

How to Manage It?

Taking control of Arum Lily is a task that requires persistence. Once it's established, removal can be difficult. For scattered plants, physical removal works best—ensuring that all parts of the root system, including the rhizomes and tubers, are completely removed. For larger infestations, chemical treatments can be effective, especially when applied during the plant's active growth period from June to September. Herbicides are most effective before the plant begins to flower, preventing seed production and further spread.

Still, one application isn't enough. Follow-up treatments are essential to tackle regrowth and new seedlings. Mechanical methods like rotary hoeing can help reduce the spread, but they require several years of consistent effort to fully control the plant.

Where Is It Found?

Arum Lily has made itself at home in various regions across Australia, particularly in temperate climates. In New South Wales, it's commonly found in the coastal areas south of Gosford. Queensland also reports its presence, especially near urban areas such as Brisbane. South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills and the Fleurieu Peninsula, is home to dense Arum Lily populations. Its spread extends to Tasmania, where it's found around Hobart and other coastal regions. In Western Australia, it thrives along creek lines and in wet areas, particularly in the south-western parts of the state.

Interestingly, Arum Lily has also spread to other parts of the world, including New Zealand, parts of Europe, and the United States. It's a plant that doesn't hesitate to establish itself wherever the conditions are right.

What's the Future for Arum Lily?

While Arum Lily wasn't included among Australia's Weeds of National Significance, it still poses a serious threat to the environment, agriculture, and public health. Its ability to spread rapidly and dominate habitats makes it a plant that requires ongoing attention. The future of Arum Lily depends on continued efforts to manage its growth and prevent it from taking over new areas.

What about your area—have you encountered this beautiful yet troublesome plant? Its spread is subtle but persistent, so keep an eye out and act quickly if it starts making an appearance in your neighborhood.