Not a Snake (Plant Stem)
Zantedeschia aethiopica • N/A (Kingdom: Plantae, Order: Alismatales, Family: Araceae, Genus: Zantedeschia)
Native to southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland), but widely naturalized globally in subtropical and Mediterranean climates.
Look up Not a Snake (Plant Stem) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Toxic if ingested)
Danger Level
Harmless as a snake; Low Risk to humans unless ingested (causes oral swelling).
Family
N/A (Kingdom: Plantae, Order: Alismatales, Family: Araceae, Genus: Zantedeschia)
Conservation
Least Concern; often considered an invasive weed in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Physical Description
Smooth, fleshy, green cylindrical petiole (leaf stalk). It lacks scales, eyes, a mouth, and any serpentine anatomy. Visible longitudinal veins and plant fibers.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen petiole appears to be 30-50 cm; plant can grow to a height of 0.6 to 1 meter.
Habitat
Terrestrial/Semi-aquatic plant found in marshes, stream banks, and seasonally damp areas; often found in garden landscapes.
Behavior & Temperament
Sessile (immobile); does not move, strike, or react to stimuli.
Diet & Feeding
Autotrophic; produces energy through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Reproduction
Reproduces via seeds contained in a spadix or through rhizome division.
Venom Profile
Contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause intense irritation, not snake venom.
Look-alikes
May be confused with a vine snake (Ahaetulla or Oxybelis) by a casual observer due to its green color and straight shape.
Conservation Status
Least Concern; often considered an invasive weed in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Cultural Significance
The Calla Lily is widely used in floral arrangements, funerals, and weddings; it is the national flower of the island of Saint Helena.
Notable Features
The object in the image is a plant stalk (petiole) of a Calla Lily, not a biological specimen from the suborder Serpentes.