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 equitans, synonymously known as Gladiolus alatus var. namaquensis or Gladiolus namaquensis and commonly known as Bergkalkoentjie is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape Province. It grows to 40cm tall. It has broad greyish leaves and orange to red-crimson flowers in spring. The lower lobes are yellow to lime-green with red tips. This also makes a good potted plant. The fragrant flower spikes are large and one-sided. These make excellent cut flowers.