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 oatesii, synonymously known as Gladiolus unguiculatus, is a South African indigenous species found in the Gauteng and Limpopo provinces but that also extends into Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is a perennial herb that grows from corms. The leaves develop on separate shoots after the flowering has finished. Up to 18 flowers can be found in the inflorescence, varying in colour from deep purple on the upper tepals to nearly white on the lower tepals, each marked with a dark spear-shaped blotch. Viewed from the side, the flowers show a typical “window” between the upper and lateral tepals.