Gladiolus is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family with around 255 species. They are perennial bulbous flowering plants, sometimes called Sword lilies, but usually by its generic name, Gladiolus. It has been studied by taxonomists and now includes the genera Acidanthera, Homoglossum, Anomalesia and Oenostachys. The geographic range includes Africa, Madagascar, Europe, and the Middle East. They are treasured the world over for their beautiful, showy flowers which grow on tall spikes. These plants are often planted in cut flower gardens or in the back along the border, as they grow 60cm to 1.8 m tall. They make excellent cut flowers and are easily grown in raised garden beds and rockeries. Most Gladioli do equally well in pots. Gladioli are the flowers associated with a fortieth wedding anniversary.

Gladiolus arcuatus or the “Brown kalkoentjie” is a South African endemic plant found in the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces that grows from 12cm to 20cm in height. It grows in the dry western part of the winter rainfall area. In Namaqualand this species grows among low shrubs in granite derived gravel and in fine grained silt in areas to the south. It has 5-6 curved sickle-shaped velvety leaves. Gladiolus arcuatus blooms in spring and the flowers are shades of dull grey-purple/brownish/dark purple and are sweetly scented on strongly inclined spikes.