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 communis is exotic to South Africa. It is reported to have 23 synonyms. It is distributed from the Mediterranean to Caucasus. The species names byzantinus and communis are frequently given as synonyms and you regularly see Gladiolus byzantinus ssp. communis, Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus and Gladiolus communis var. byzantinus. It is deep purple-red with narrow, paler marks outlined in dark purple on the lower lobes. It is an easy plant to grow and is good for cut flowers. The flowers are quite showy.