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 mostertiae is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape Province where it can be found growing on the Bokkeveld Escarpment around Nieuwoudtville. It is usually found growing in sandy soils in marshy places that remain moist well into the dry season. It grows to 30cm tall with linear hairy leaves. During summer it bears a spike of 4-10 pale pink flowers with yellow-green markings on the lower tepals.