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 engysiphon is a rare indigenous plant from the winter rainfall area of South Africa. It is also a South African endemic plant that only occurs naturally in the Western Cape on the lower foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. It grows up to 40 cm in height and blooms in autumn when it produces spikes with 2 to 6 white to cream flowers with red streaks on the 3 lower petals. These make excellent cut flowers.