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 overbergensis, synonymously known as Antholyza guthriei, Homoglossum guthriei and Petamenes guthriei, is a rare South African endemic species found from Hermanus to Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape province. Growing from 35 to 50 cm high, it is reported to be found in sandy loam and fynbos or fynbos-renosterveld, flowering during winter from July to September. Flowers are bright red to orange with a long perianth tube which could make them adapted for pollination by sunbirds.