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 quadrangulus, synonymously known as Geissorhiza quadrangula, Gladiolus biflorus, Gladiolus linearis, Ixia linearis and Ixia quadrangula is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province where it is found from Malmesbury to the Cape Flats. It is unusual in producing no nectar and having a perianth tube too narrow for an insect’s tongue. It has prominently displayed anthers and only a light fragrance. It’s therefore assumed that the flowers of Gladiolus quadrangulus offer pollen as a reward for pollinators – a rare strategy in the genus. It is easily grown, which is fortunate as its long term survival in the wild seems unlikely, and quite delightful.