Which statement is true about the calla lily's classification?

Which statement is true about the calla lily's classification?

• A. It is a true lily
• B. It is not a true lily but has a bulb
• C. It is not a true lily because it lacks a bulb, 6 filaments, and 6 tepals
• D. It is a true lily with 6 tepals

Answer: (C)

Calla lilies are not true lilies because their structure and growth form come from a different plant group. True lilies, in the genus Lilium, grow from bulbs and have flowers built from six tepals (petal-like segments) and six stamens with filaments. A calla lily, on the other hand, grows from rhizomes, and its floral display is a spathe surrounding a spadix made of many tiny flowers, not six tepals and six filaments. So it’s not a true lily, which is exactly why the statement noting it lacks a bulb, six filaments, and six tepals is the correct one.

Calla lilies are not true lilies because their structure and growth form come from a different plant group. True lilies, in the genus Lilium, grow from bulbs and have flowers built from six tepals (petal-like segments) and six stamens with filaments. A calla lily, on the other hand, grows from rhizomes, and its floral display is a spathe surrounding a spadix made of many tiny flowers, not six tepals and six filaments. So it’s not a true lily, which is exactly why the statement noting it lacks a bulb, six filaments, and six tepals is the correct one.