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 crassifolius is an indigenous plant from the summer rainfall area of South Africa where it grows mostly in hilly country in well-drained rocky grassland habitats. It is also found in tropical and eastern southern Africa. It grows to 1m in height and blooms in summer when it produces spikes with 16 to 22 pale to deep pink to mauve flowers with darker markings. These make excellent cut flowers. Known synonyms for Gladiolus crassifolius are Gladiolus rachidiflorus, Gladiolus thomsonii, Gladiolus masukuensis, Gladiolus mosambicensis, Gladiolus tritoniiformis, Gladiolus junodii, Gladiolus coranthii, Gladiolus gazensis and Gladiolus dieterlenii.