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 mutabilis, synonymously known as Gladiolus muirii and commonly known as Brownies, is a South African endemic species found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces where it is found growing in sandstone derived soils. This species has slightly fleshy leaf blades without thickened margins or midribs and an elongated corm that is two to three times as long as wide. Flower colour ranges from pale to dark blue, mauve, brown or cream. The lower tepals are typically cream or yellow below with dark blue or brown dots and streaks on the yellow background forming the nectar guide. The fragrant flowers are borne during the winter months of June and July.