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 parvulus, synonymously known as Geissorhiza gracilis and Gladiolus subaphyllus is a South African indigenous species from the KwaZulu-Natal Province. This species occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and Midlands, extending to Ngele Mountain near the border with the Eastern Cape. It also occurs in Lesotho. It has two narrow leaves with a sheathing stem. During summer it bears pink flowers almost like an Ixia. It is best sown in spring.