Arum palaestinum aka Solomon's Lily

Arum palaestinum is a tuberous perennial in the arum family, Araceae. Its names include black calla, black arum, and Palestine lily. It comes from the eastern Mediterranean, in a subtropical region. Its native range runs from western Syria through Lebanon to Jordan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Gardeners grow it for its dark spring flowers and winter leaves.

The plant forms clumps and spreads through offsets from its tuber. Once settled, it can be hard to remove. Green, trowel-shaped leaves emerge in fall and last through winter. Each leaf measures about 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 metres) long. The leaves have no hairs. This plant loses its leaves and rests during summer. Division provides a way to raise more plants.

The spring flower display has two main parts. A deep purple spadix stands within a large spathe. The spathe ranges from reddish purple and brown to near-black. Its outer face is pale green. The display gives off a smell like decaying fruit. This scent draws flies, which pollinate the flowers. The berry-like fruits become bright red as they ripen. These fruits add color after the spring flower display ends.

Black calla grows in sun or part shade. More sun helps it flower well. It accepts several soil types, including loam and sand. Moist soil suits it, but water must drain freely. Too much water can lead to root rot. It also tolerates drought and resists deer. North Carolina State Extension lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It describes the plant as easy to grow, with little upkeep. Suitable sites include rock gardens, borders, naturalized areas, and pots. Caterpillars and brown spot can cause problems, alongside rot from excess water.

The leaves have a history of use in Middle Eastern food. The source describes them as edible when cooked, not raw. The plant also has uses in Middle Eastern herbal medicine. These uses do not remove its poison risk. Oxalate salts make it harmful to people, cats, dogs, and horses. All listed parts, including sap, carry this risk. Skin contact can cause dermatitis. Raw plant material can burn and irritate the mouth. Larger amounts can cause nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and excess drooling. Swallowing may also become difficult.