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 blommesteinii is a spring flowering South African endemic perennial species found in the Western Cape province. It is found on sandstone slopes in fynbos. Blooms are produced in early spring during the months of August to October and grows from 30 to 60 cm in height. Flowers are in a one to four flowered inclined spike, mauve or pink with dark longitudinal streaks on the lower tepals.