''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''

gladius ''Gladius'' () is a Latin word meaning "sword" (of any type), but in its narrow sense it refers to the sword of ancient Roman foot soldiers. Early ancient Roman swords were similar to those of the Greeks, called '' xiphe'' (plural; singular ''xi ...

'', a sword) is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also wide ...

corm A corm, bulbo-tuber, or bulbotuber is a short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem that serves as a storage organ that some plants use to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as summer drought and heat (perennation). The word ' ...

ous

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants th ...

s in the iris

family Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...

(Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''gladioli''). The genus occurs in Asia, Mediterranean Europe, South Africa, and tropical Africa. The center of diversity is in the Cape Floristic Region.Goldblatt, P. &, J.C. Manning. ''Gladiolus'' in Southern Africa : Systematics, Biology, and Evolution. Fernwood Press, Cape Town; 1998. The genera ''Acidanthera'', ''Anomalesia'', ''Homoglossum'', and ''Oenostachys'', formerly considered distinct, are now included in ''Gladiolus''.

Description

Gladioli grow from round, symmetrical

s (similar to

crocus ''Crocus'' (; plural: crocuses or croci) is a genus of seasonal flowering plants in the family Iridaceae (iris family) comprising about 100 species of perennials growing from corms. They are low growing plants, whose flower stems remain undergro ...

es) that are enveloped in several layers of brownish, fibrous tunics. Their stems are generally unbranched, producing 1 to 9 narrow, sword-shaped, longitudinal grooved

leaves A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...

, enclosed in a sheath. The lowest leaf is shortened to a

cataphyll In plant morphology, a cataphyll (sometimes also called a ''cataphyllum'' or cataphyll leafJackson, Benjamin, Daydon; A Glossary of Botanic Terms with their Derivation and Accent; Published by Gerald Duckworth & Co. London, 4th ed 1928) is a reduce ...

. The leaf blades can be plane or cruciform in cross section. The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to perhaps 40 mm across, and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several flowers. The spectacular giant flower spikes in commerce are the products of centuries of hybridisation and selection. The flower spikes are large and one-sided, with secund, bisexual flowers, each subtended by 2 leathery, green

bract In botany, a bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis or cone scale. Bracts are usually different from foliage leaves. They may be smaller, larger, or of ...

s. The

sepal A sepal () is a part of the flower of angiosperms (flowering plants). Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom., p. 106 The term ''sepalum'' was coined b ...

s and the

petal Petals are modified Leaf, leaves that surround the reproductive parts of flowers. They are often advertising coloration, brightly colored or unusually shaped to attract pollinators. All of the petals of a flower are collectively known as the ''c ...

s are almost identical in appearance, and are termed

tepals A tepal is one of the outer parts of a flower (collectively the perianth). The term is used when these parts cannot easily be classified as either sepals or petals. This may be because the parts of the perianth are undifferentiated (i.e. of very ...

. They are united at their base into a tube-shaped structure. The dorsal tepal is the largest, arching over the three

stamen The stamen (plural ''stamina'' or ''stamens'') is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium., p. 10 Morphology and terminology A stamen typically consists of a stalk called the filame ...

s. The outer three tepals are narrower. The

perianth The perianth (perigonium, perigon or perigone in monocots) is the non-reproductive part of the flower, and structure that forms an envelope surrounding the sexual organs, consisting of the calyx (sepals) and the corolla (petals) or tepals when ...

is funnel-shaped, with the stamens attached to its base. The

style Style is a manner of doing or presenting things and may refer to: * Architectural style, the features that make a building or structure historically identifiable * Design, the process of creating something * Fashion, a prevailing mode of clothing ...

has three

filiform Filiform, thread or filament like, can refer to: * Filiform, a common term used in botany to describe a thread-like shape *Filiform, or filiform catheter In medicine, a catheter (/ˈkæθətər/) is a thin tubing (material), tube made from m ...

, spoon-shaped branches, each expanding towards the apex. William Berman The

ovary The ovary is an organ in the female reproductive system that produces an ovum. When released, this travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where it may become fertilized by a sperm. There is an ovary () found on each side of the body. ...

is 3-locular with oblong or globose capsules, containing many, winged brown, longitudinally dehiscent

seed A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering, along with a food reserve. The formation of the seed is a part of the process of reproduction in seed plants, the spermatophytes, including the gymnosperm and angiospe ...

s. These flowers are variously coloured, ranging from pink to reddish or light purple with white, contrasting markings, or white to cream or orange to red.

Ecology

The South African species were originally pollinated by long-tongued

anthophorini The Anthophorini are a large tribe in the subfamily Apinae of the family Apidae. Species in this tribe are often referred to as digger bees, although this common name is sometimes also applied to members of the tribe Centridini. It contains over ...

bees, but some changes in the pollination system have occurred, allowing pollination by

sunbird Sunbirds and spiderhunters make up the family Nectariniidae of passerine birds. They are small, slender passerines from the Old World, usually with downward-curved bills. Many are brightly coloured, often with iridescent feathers, particularly ...

noctuid The Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, cutworms or armyworms, are a family of moths. They are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because many of the clades are constantly changing, along with the other f ...

and Hawk-moths, long-tongued flies and several others. In the temperate zones of Europe many of the hybrid large flowering sorts of gladiolus can be pollinated by small well-known wasps. Actually, they are not very good pollinators because of the large flowers of the plants and the small size of the wasps. Another insect in this zone which can try some of the nectar of the gladioli is the best-known European Hawk-moth ''

Macroglossum stellatarum The hummingbird hawk-moth (''Macroglossum stellatarum'') is a species of hawk moth found across temperate regions of Eurasia. The species is named for its similarity to hummingbirds, as they feed on the nectar of tube-shaped flowers using their ...

'' which usually pollinates many popular garden flowers like ''Petunia'', ''Zinnia'', ''Dianthus'' and others. Gladioli are used as food plants by the

larva A larva (; plural larvae ) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle. The ...

e of some

Lepidoptera Lepidoptera ( ) is an order (biology), order of insects that includes butterfly, butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera are described, in 126 Family (biology), families and 46 Taxonomic r ...

species including the

Large Yellow Underwing The large yellow underwing (''Noctua pronuba'') is a moth, the type species for the family Noctuidae. It is an abundant species throughout the Palearctic realm, one of the most common and most familiar moths of the region. In some years the speci ...

, and gladiolus

thrips Thrips ( order Thysanoptera) are minute (mostly long or less), slender insects with fringed wings and unique asymmetrical mouthparts. Different thrips species feed mostly on plants by puncturing and sucking up the contents, although a few are ...

Horticulture

Gladioli have been extensively hybridized and a wide range of ornamental flower colours are available from the many varieties. The main hybrid groups have been obtained by crossing between four or five species, followed by selection: 'Grandiflorus', 'Primulines' and 'Nanus'. They can make very good

cut flowers Cut flowers are flowers or flower buds (often with some stem and leaf) that have been cut from the plant bearing it. It is usually removed from the plant for decorative use. Typical uses are in vase displays, wreaths and garlands. Many gardene ...

for display. The majority of the species in this genus are

diploid Ploidy () is the number of complete sets of chromosomes in a cell, and hence the number of possible alleles for autosomal and pseudoautosomal genes. Sets of chromosomes refer to the number of maternal and paternal chromosome copies, respectively ...

with 30

chromosome A chromosome is a long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism. In most chromosomes the very long thin DNA fibers are coated with packaging proteins; in eukaryotic cells the most important of these proteins are ...

s (2n=30) but the Grandiflora hybrids are

tetraploid Polyploidy is a condition in which the cells of an organism have more than one pair of ( homologous) chromosomes. Most species whose cells have nuclei (eukaryotes) are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, where each set contains ...

and possess 60 chromosomes (2n=4x=60). This is because the main parental species of these hybrids is '' Gladiolus dalenii'' which is also tetraploid and includes a wide range of varieties (like the Grandiflora hybrids).

Species

The genus ''Gladiolus'' contains about 300 species, the

World Checklist of Selected Plant Families The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (usually abbreviated to WCSP) is an "international collaborative programme that provides the latest peer reviewed and published opinions on the accepted scientific names and synonyms of selected plan ...

had over 276 species in 1988,A. Mujib (Editor) , it accepted 300 species. There are 260 species of ''Gladiolus'' endemic to southern Africa,Trevor R. Hodkinson and John A.N. Parnell (Editors) and 76 in tropical Africa. About 10 species are native to

Eurasia Eurasia (, ) is the largest continental area on Earth, comprising all of Europe and Asia. Primarily in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, it spans from the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Japanese archipelago a ...

.Rina Kamenetsky and Hiroshi Okubo (Editors) The genus ''Gladiolus'' has been divided into many sections. Most species, however, are only tentatively placed. * '' Gladiolus abbreviatus'' Andrews * '' Gladiolus abyssinicus'' (Brongn. ex Lem.) B.D.Jacks. * '' Gladiolus actinomorphanthus'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal * '' Gladiolus acuminatus'' F.Bolus * '' Gladiolus aequinoctialis'' Herb. * '' Gladiolus alatus'' L. (sect. Hebea) * '' Gladiolus albens'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus amplifolius'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus anatolicus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' (Boiss.) Stapf * '' Gladiolus andringitrae'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus angustus ''Gladiolus angustus'' is a species of gladiolus known by the common name long-tubed painted lady. It is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This flower is an herb growing from a papery corm and reaching 30 to 60 centimeters in height. ...

'' L. (sect. Blandus) – long-tubed painted lady * '' Gladiolus antakiensis'' A.P.Ham. * ''

Gladiolus antandroyi ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus appendiculatus'' G.Lewis * ''

Gladiolus aquamontanus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt & Vlok * ''

Gladiolus arcuatus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Klatt * '' Gladiolus atropictus'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus atropurpureus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus atroviolaceus'' Boiss. * '' Gladiolus attilae'' Kit Tan * ''

Gladiolus aurantiacus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Klatt * '' Gladiolus aureus'' Baker – golden gladiolus * '' Gladiolus balensis'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus baumii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Harms * '' Gladiolus bellus'' C. H. Wright * '' Gladiolus benguellensis'' Baker (sect. Ophiolyza) * ''

Gladiolus bilineatus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' G. J. Lewis * '' Gladiolus blommesteinii'' L.Bolus * '' Gladiolus bojeri'' (Baker) Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus bonaespei'' Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos * '' Gladiolus boranensis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus brachyphyllus'' Bolus f. * '' Gladiolus brevifolius'' Jacq. (sect. Linearifolius) * '' Gladiolus brevitubus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus buckerveldii'' (L. Bolus) Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus bullatus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

Thunb. Carl Peter Thunberg, also known as Karl Peter von Thunberg, Carl Pehr Thunberg, or Carl Per Thunberg (11 November 1743 – 8 August 1828), was a Swedish naturalist and an "apostle" of Carl Linnaeus. After studying under Linnaeus at Uppsala Un ...

ex G. Lewis – Caledon bluebell. * '' Gladiolus caeruleus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus calcaratus'' G. Lewis * ''

Gladiolus calcicola ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus canaliculatus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus candidus'' ( Rendle) Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus cardinalis''

Curtis Curtis or Curtiss is a common English given name and surname of Anglo-Norman origin from the Old French ''curteis'' ( Modern French ''courtois'') which derived from the Spanish Cortés (of which Cortez is a variation) and the Portuguese and Ga ...

(sect. Blandus) * ''

Gladiolus carinatus ''Gladiolus carinatus'', commonly as the blue Afrikaner, is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Gladiolus and is part of the fynbos. The plant is native to the Western Cape. Gallery Gladiolus carinatus 1DS-II 3-8961.jpg Gladiolus carinat ...

'' Aiton – occurring in Darling, South Africa, and locally called the "blou pypie" ("blue pipe") * '' Gladiolus carmineus'' C. H. Wright (sect. Blandus) – cliff lily * '' Gladiolus carneus'' F.Delaroche (sect. Blandus) – large painted lady * ''

Gladiolus caryophyllaceus ''Gladiolus caryophyllaceus'' is a ''Gladiolus'' species native to the Cape Provinces in South Africa.Govaerts, R. ''et al.'' (2018Plants of the world online: ''Gladiolus caryophyllaceus'' Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew It is ...

'' (Burm. f.) Poiret * ''

Gladiolus cataractarum ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Oberm. * '' Gladiolus caucasicus'' Herb. * '' Gladiolus ceresianus'' L. Bolus * '' Gladiolus chelamontanus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus chevalierianus'' Marais * ''

Gladiolus communis ''Gladiolus communis'', the eastern gladiolus, or common corn-flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family (biology), family Iridaceae, native plant, native to temperateness, temperate northern Africa, western Asia and southern Europe, fro ...

'' L. (sect. Gladiolus) – common cornflag, (

type species In zoological nomenclature, a type species (''species typica'') is the species name with which the name of a genus or subgenus is considered to be permanently taxonomically associated, i.e., the species that contains the biological type specimen ...

) * '' Gladiolus comptonii'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus crassifolius'' Baker * '' Gladiolus crispulatus'' L. Bolus * '' Gladiolus cruentus'' T. Moore (sect. Ophiolyza) * '' Gladiolus cunonius'' (L.) Gaertn. * '' Gladiolus curtifolius'' Marais * ''

Gladiolus curtilimbus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal ex S.Córdova * ''

Gladiolus cylindraceus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus dalenii'' (sect. Ophiolyza) * ''

Gladiolus davisoniae ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' F.Bolus * '' Gladiolus debeerstii'' De Wild. * '' Gladiolus debilis'' Ker Gawler (sect. Homoglossum) – small painted lady * '' Gladiolus decaryi'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus decoratus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Baker * '' Gladiolus delpierrei'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus densiflorus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus deserticola'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus dichrous ''Gladiolus dichrous'' is a species of flowering plant found in mountainous regions of South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda. It has relatively small flowers usually hidden under large green or rose coloured bracts. References

Gladiolus, dichrou ...

'' (Bullock) Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus diluvialis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning *''

Gladiolus dolichosiphon ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * ''

Gladiolus dolomiticus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Oberm. * '' Gladiolus dzavakheticus'' Eristavi * '' Gladiolus ecklonii''

Lehm. Johann Georg Christian Lehmann (25 February 1792 – 12 February 1860) was a German botanist. Born at Haselau, near Uetersen, Duchy of Holstein, Holstein, Lehmann studied medicine in Copenhagen and Göttingen, obtained a doctorate in medicine ...

* '' Gladiolus elliotii'' Baker (sect. Ophiolyza) * '' Gladiolus emiliae'' L. Bolus * '' Gladiolus engysiphon'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus equitans'' Thunb. (sect. Hebea) * '' Gladiolus erectiflorus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus exiguus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus exilis'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus fenestratus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus ferrugineus'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * ''

Gladiolus filiformis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus flanaganii'' Baker – suicide gladiolus * '' Gladiolus flavoviridis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus floribundus'' Jacq. * '' Gladiolus fourcadei'' (

L.Bolus Harriet Margaret Louisa Bolus ''née'' Kensit (31 July 1877, Burgersdorp – 5 April 1970, Cape Town) was a South African botanist and taxonomist, and the longtime curator of the Bolus Herbarium, from 1903. Bolus also has the legacy of authorin ...

) Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos * '' Gladiolus geardii'' L. Bolus * ''

Gladiolus goldblattianus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Geerinck * '' Gladiolus gracilis'' Jacq. (sect. Homoglossum) – reed bells * '' Gladiolus gracillimus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus grandiflorus'' Andrews (sect. Blandus) * '' Gladiolus grantii'' Baker * ''

Gladiolus gregarius ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Welw. ex Baker (sect. Densiflorus) * '' Gladiolus griseus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus gueinzii'' Kunze * ''

Gladiolus gunnisii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' (Rendle) Marais * '' Gladiolus guthriei'' F. Bol. (sect. Linearifolius) * '' Gladiolus hajastanicus'' Gabrieljan * '' Gladiolus halophilus'' Boiss. & Heldr. * '' Gladiolus harmsianus'' Vaupel * ''

Gladiolus hirsutus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Jacq. (sect. Linearifolius) – small pink Afrikaner, ''lapmuis'' * '' Gladiolus hollandii'' L. Bolus * '' Gladiolus horombensis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus huillensis'' (Welw. ex Baker) Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus humilis'' Stapf * ''

Gladiolus huttonii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' (N.E.Br.) Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos * '' Gladiolus hyalinus'' Jacq. * '' Gladiolus illyricus'' W.D.J.Koch – wild gladiolus * '' Gladiolus imbricatus'' L. * '' Gladiolus inandensis'' Baker * '' Gladiolus inflatus'' Thunb. * '' Gladiolus inflexus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * ''

Gladiolus insolens ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus intonsus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus invenustus'' G. J. Lewis * '' Gladiolus involutus'' D.Delaroche (sect. Hebea) * ''

Gladiolus iroensis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' (A. Chev.) Marais * '' Gladiolus italicus'' P. Mill. (sect. Gladiolus) – Italian gladiolus, cornflag * ''

Gladiolus jonquilodorus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Eckl. ex G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus juncifolius'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus kamiesbergensis'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus karooicus'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus kotschyanus'' Boiss. * '' Gladiolus lapeirousioides'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus laxiflorus'' Baker * ''

Gladiolus ledoctei ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal * '' Gladiolus leonensis'' Marais * '' Gladiolus leptosiphon'' Bolus f. * '' Gladiolus liliaceus'' Houtt. (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus linearifolius'' Vaupel * '' Gladiolus lithicola'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus longicollis'' Baker (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus longispathaceus'' Cufod. * '' Gladiolus loteniensis'' Hilliard & Burtt * '' Gladiolus lundaensis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus luteus'' Lam. * '' Gladiolus macneilii'' Oberm. * '' Gladiolus maculatus'' Sweet * ''

Gladiolus magnificus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' (Harms) Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus malvinus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus manikaensis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus mariae'' van der Burgt * ''

Gladiolus marlothii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus martleyi'' L. Bolus (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus meliusculus'' (G. Lewis) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus melleri'' Baker (sect. Ophiolyza) * '' Gladiolus menitskyi'' Gabrieljan * '' Gladiolus mensensis'' (Schweinf.) Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus meridionalis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' G.J.Lewis * ''

Gladiolus metallicola ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus micranthus'' Baker, 1901 * '' Gladiolus microcarpus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus microspicatus'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal ex S.Córdova * '' Gladiolus miniatus'' Eckl. * '' Gladiolus mirus'' Vaupel * '' Gladiolus monticola'' G. Lewis ex Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus mosambicensis'' Baker * '' Gladiolus mostertiae'' L. Bolus * '' Gladiolus muenzneri'' F. Vaup * '' Gladiolus murgusicus'' Mikheev * '' Gladiolus murielae'' Kelway (syn. ''G. callianthus'') – Abyssinian gladiolus * '' Gladiolus mutabilis'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus negeliensis'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus nerineoides'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus nigromontanus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus nyasicus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus oatesii'' Rolfe * '' Gladiolus ochroleucus'' Baker (sect. Densiflorus) * '' Gladiolus oliganthus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus oligophlebius'' Baker * '' Gladiolus oppositiflorus'' Herbert (sect. Ophiolyza) * '' Gladiolus orchidiflorus'' Andrews (sect. Hebea) * '' Gladiolus oreocharis'' Schltr. * ''

Gladiolus ornatus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Klatt * ''

Gladiolus overbergensis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos * '' Gladiolus palustris'' Gaudin – marsh gladiolus * '' Gladiolus papilio'' Hook. f. (sect. Densiflorus) – goldblotch gladiolus * '' Gladiolus pappei'' Baker (sect. Blandus) * '' Gladiolus pardalinus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus parvulus'' Schltr. * '' Gladiolus patersoniae'' Bolus f. * '' Gladiolus pauciflorus'' Baker ex Oliv. * '' Gladiolus pavonia'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus permeabilis'' Delaroche (sect. Hebea) * '' Gladiolus perrieri'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus persicus'' Boiss. * '' Gladiolus phoenix'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus pole-evansii'' Verd. * ''

Gladiolus praecostatus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Marais * '' Gladiolus pretoriensis'' Kuntze * '' Gladiolus priorii'' (N. E. Br.) Goldblatt & De Vos * ''

Gladiolus pritzelii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Diels * '' Gladiolus puberulus'' Vaupel * '' Gladiolus pubigerus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus pulcherrimus'' (G. Lewis) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus pungens'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal ex S.Córdova * '' Gladiolus pusillus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus quadrangularis'' (Burm. f.) Ker Gawler * '' Gladiolus quadrangulus'' (Delaroche) Barnard * ''

Gladiolus recurvus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' L. (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus reginae'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus rehmannii'' Baker * '' Gladiolus rhodanthus'' J.C.Manning & Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus richardsiae'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus robertsoniae'' Bolus f. * '' Gladiolus robiliartianus'' P.A.Duvign. * '' Gladiolus rogersii'' Baker * '' Gladiolus roseolus'' Chiov. * '' Gladiolus roseovenosus'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus rubellus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus rudis'' Lichtst. ex Roem. & Schult. * '' Gladiolus rufomarginatus'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus rupicola'' F. Vaupel * '' Gladiolus saccatus'' (Klatt) Goldblatt & M.P. de Vos * '' Gladiolus salmoneicolor'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal ex S.Córdova * '' Gladiolus salteri'' G. Lewis * ''

Gladiolus saundersii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Hook. f. – Saunders' gladiolus, Lesotho lily * '' Gladiolus saxatilis'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus scabridus'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus schweinfurthii'' Baker * '' Gladiolus scullyi'' Baker * '' Gladiolus sekukuniensis'' P.J.D.Winter * ''

Gladiolus sempervirens ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' G.J.Lewis * ''

Gladiolus serapiiflorus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus serenjensis'' Goldblatt * ''

Gladiolus sericeovillosus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Hook. f. * '' Gladiolus serpenticola'' Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * ''

Gladiolus somalensis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Goldblatt & Thulin * '' Gladiolus speciosus'' Thunb. * '' Gladiolus splendens'' (Sweet) Herbert * ''

Gladiolus stefaniae ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' Oberm. * '' Gladiolus stellatus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus stenolobus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus stenosiphon'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus stokoei'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus subcaeruleus'' G. Lewis * ''

Gladiolus sudanicus ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus sufflavus'' (G. Lewis) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning * '' Gladiolus sulculatus'' Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus symonsii'' F.Bolus * '' Gladiolus szovitsii'' Grossh. * '' Gladiolus taubertianus'' Schltr. * ''

Gladiolus tenuis ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' M. Bieb. * '' Gladiolus teretifolius'' Goldblatt & De Vos * '' Gladiolus trichonemifolius'' Ker Gawl. (sect. Homoglossum) * ''

Gladiolus triphyllus ''Gladiolus triphyllus'', the three-leaved gladiolus, is an erect perennial herb, 15–30 cm high, glabrousness (botany), glabrous, glaucous, with an ovoid corm. Leaves usually 3 or 4, alternate, simple, entire, linear, the two lower 10-30 ...

'' (Sm.) Ker Gawl. * ''

Gladiolus tristis ''Gladiolus tristis'' is a species of gladiolus known by several common names, including ever-flowering gladiolus and marsh Afrikaner. It is native to southern Africa, especially South Africa. It is known in parts of Australia and coastal Califor ...

'' L. (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus tshombeanus'' P.A.Duvign. & Van Bockstal * '' Gladiolus uitenhagensis'' Goldblatt & Vlok * '' Gladiolus undulatus'' L. (sect. Blandus) – large white Afrikaner, wall gladiolus * '' Gladiolus unguiculatus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus usambarensis'' Marais ex Goldblatt * '' Gladiolus uysiae'' L. Bolus ex G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus vaginatus'' Bolus f. (sect. Homoglossum) * '' Gladiolus vandermerwei'' (L. Bolus) Goldblatt & De Vos * '' Gladiolus variegatus'' (G.J.Lewis) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus varius'' Bolus f. * '' Gladiolus velutinus'' De Wild. * '' Gladiolus venustus'' G. Lewis (sect. Hebea) * ''

Gladiolus verdickii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural ''g ...

'' De Wild. & T.Durand * '' Gladiolus vernus'' Oberm. * '' Gladiolus vigilans'' Barnard * '' Gladiolus vinosomaculatus'' Kies * '' Gladiolus violaceolineatus'' G.J.Lewis * '' Gladiolus virescens'' Thunb. (sect. Hebea) * '' Gladiolus virgatus'' Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus viridiflorus'' G. Lewis * '' Gladiolus watermeyeri'' L.Bolus (sect. Hebea) * ''

Gladiolus watsonioides ''Gladiolus watsonioides'' is a medium to high (½1 m), herbaceous geophyte with sword-shaped leaves, flattened in the plain of the stem, and spikes of red funnel-shaped flowers, that is assigned to the iris family. In the wild, the species ...

'' Baker – Mackinder's gladiolus * '' Gladiolus watsonius'' Thunb. (sect. Homoglossum) * ''

Gladiolus wilsonii ''Gladiolus'' (from Latin, the diminutive of ''gladius'', a sword) is a genus of perennial plant, perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (biology), family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually cal ...

'' (Baker) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning * '' Gladiolus woodii'' Baker * '' Gladiolus zambesiacus'' Baker * '' Gladiolus zimbabweensis'' Goldblatt Known hybrids include: * ''Gladiolus'' × ''colvillii'' (''G. cardinalis'' × ''G. tristis''): Colville's gladiolus * ''Gladiolus'' × ''gandavensis'' (''G. dalenii'' × ''G. oppositiflorus'') (sect. Ophiolyza) * ''Gladiolus'' × ''hortulanus'' File:Gladiolus alatus nah.JPG, '' Gladiolus alatus'', Clanwilliam, RSA File:Gladiolus-carcinalis.jpg, '' Gladiolus cardinalis''
from Curtis's Botanical Magazine 1790 File:Gladiolus-undulatus.jpg, Waved-flowered Gladiolus ('' Gladiolus undulatus'')
from Curtis's Botanical Magazine 1801 File:Starr 980630-1515 Gladiolus sp..jpg, ''Gladiolus'' hybrid, Grandiflorus group File:Gladiolus imbricatus1002.jpg, '' Gladiolus imbricatus'' File:Gartengladiole apricot.JPG, ''Gladiolus'' × ''hortulanus'' File:Gladiolus carneus (1).jpg, '' Gladiolus carneus'' File:Gladiolus × hortulanus 'Priscilla' Vis UV IR comparison.jpg, ''Gladiolus'' × ''hortulanus'' 'Priscilla' photographed in visible, ultraviolet (showing

Nectar guides Nectar guides are markings or patterns seen in flowers of some angiosperm species, that guide pollinators to their rewards. Rewards commonly take the form of nectar, pollen, or both, but various plants produce oil, resins, scents, or waxes. Such ...

), and infrared light

Cultivation

temperate zone In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout t ...

s, the

corms A corm, bulbo-tuber, or bulbotuber is a short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem that serves as a storage organ that some plants use to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as summer drought and heat ( perennation). The word ...

of most species and hybrids should be lifted in autumn and stored over winter in a frost-free place, then replanted in spring. Some species from Europe and high altitudes in Africa, as well as the small 'Nanus' hybrids, are much hardier (to at least ) and can be left in the ground in regions with sufficiently dry winters. 'Nanus' is hardy to Zones 5–8. The large-flowered types require moisture during the growing season, and must be individually staked as soon as the sword-shaped flower heads appear. The leaves must be allowed to die down naturally before lifting and storing the corms. Plants are propagated either from small cormlets produced as offsets by the parent corms, or from seed. In either case, they take several years to get to flowering size. Clumps should be dug up and divided every few years to keep them vigorous. They are affected by

, (thrip simplex), and wasps '' Dasyproctus bipunctatus'', which burrow into the flowers causing them to collapse and die. Numerous garden

cultivar A cultivar is a type of cultivated plant that people have selected for desired traits and when propagated retain those traits. Methods used to propagate cultivars include: division, root and stem cuttings, offsets, grafting, tissue culture, ...

s have been developed, of which ‘Robinetta’ (a ''G. recurvus'' hybrid), with pink flowers, has gained the

Royal Horticultural Society The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity. The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nort ...

’s

Award of Garden Merit The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions. History The Award of Garden Merit ...

In culture

* Gladiolus is the birth flower of August. * Gladioli are the flowers associated with a fortieth

wedding anniversary A wedding anniversary is the anniversary of the date a wedding took place. Couples may take the occasion to celebrate their relationship, either privately or with a larger party. Special celebrations and gifts are often given for particular an ...

. * American

Ragtime Ragtime, also spelled rag-time or rag time, is a musical style that flourished from the 1890s to 1910s. Its cardinal trait is its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm. Ragtime was popularized during the early 20th century by composers such as Scott ...

composer

Scott Joplin Scott Joplin ( 1868 – April 1, 1917) was an American composer and pianist. Because of the fame achieved for his ragtime compositions, he was dubbed the "King of Ragtime." During his career, he wrote over 40 original ragtime pieces, one ra ...

composed a rag called “Gladiolus Rag” * "Gladiolus" was the word Frank Neuhauser correctly spelled to win the 1st

National Spelling Bee The Scripps National Spelling Bee (formerly the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee and commonly called the National Spelling Bee) is an annual spelling bee held in the United States. The bee is run on a not-for-profit basis by The E. W. Sc ...

in 1925. * The Australian comedian and personality

Dame Edna Everage Dame Edna Everage, often known simply as Dame Edna, is a character created and performed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries, known for her lilac-coloured ("wisteria hue") hair and cat eye glasses ("face furniture"); her favourite flower, t ...

's signature flowers are gladioli, which she refers to as "gladdies". * The ancient

Graeco-Roman The Greco-Roman civilization (; also Greco-Roman culture; spelled Graeco-Roman in the Commonwealth), as understood by modern scholars and writers, includes the geographical regions and countries that culturally—and so historically—were di ...

god

Pluto Pluto (minor-planet designation: 134340 Pluto) is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, a ring of trans-Neptunian object, bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune. It is the ninth-largest and tenth-most-massive known object to directly orbit the S ...

was said to wear a wreath of what is traditionally identified as a type of Gladiolus, called ''phasganion'' or ''xiphion'' in

Koine Greek Koine Greek (; Koine el, ἡ κοινὴ διάλεκτος, hē koinè diálektos, the common dialect; ), also known as Hellenistic Greek, common Attic, the Alexandrian dialect, Biblical Greek or New Testament Greek, was the common supra-reg ...

. * The Mancunian singer

Morrissey Steven Patrick Morrissey (; born 22 May 1959), known professionally as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He came to prominence as the frontman and lyricist of rock band the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. Since then ...

is known to dance with gladioli hanging from his back pocket or in his hands, especially during the era of

The Smiths The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. They comprised the singer Morrissey, the guitarist Johnny Marr, the bassist Andy Rourke and the drummer Mike Joyce. They are regarded as one of the most important acts to emerg ...

. This trait of his was made known in the music video for "

This Charming Man "This Charming Man" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Morrissey. Released as the group's second single in October 1983 on the independent record label Rough Trade, it is defined by Mar ...

", where he swung a bunch of yellow gladioli while singing. File:Vincent Willem van Gogh 124.jpg, ''Vase with Red Gladioli'' (1886) by

Vincent van Gogh Vincent Willem van Gogh (; 30 March 185329 July 1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionism, Post-Impressionist painter who posthumously became one of the most famous and influential figures in Western art history. In a decade, he created about 2 ...

File:Ph Ernst (201).JPG, ''Gladiole'' by

References

Bibliography

* G. R. Delpierre and N. M. du Plessis (1974). ''The winter-growing Gladioli of Southern Africa''. Tafelberg-Uitgewers Beperk 120 colour photographs and descriptions. * Peter Goldblatt (1996). ''A monograph of the genus ''Gladiolus'' in tropical Africa (83 species)''. Timber Press * Peter Goldblatt, J. C. Manning (1998). Gladiolus ''in southern Africa: Systematics, Biology, and Evolution, including 144 watercolor paintings''. Cape Town: Fernwood Press.

External links

Taxonomy of ''Gladiolus'' in GBIF Biodiversity Data Portal
{{Authority control Cormous plants Garden plants Iridaceae genera