Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). It is sometimes called the 'sword lily', but is usually called by its generic name (plural gladioli).

Description

The genus occurs in Asia, Mediterranean Europe, South Africa, and tropical Africa. The center of diversity is in the Cape Floristic Region. The genera Acidanthera, Anomalesia, Homoglossum, and Oenostachys, previously considered distinct, are now included in Gladiolus.

Species

There are 260 species of gladiolus, of which 250 are native to sub-Saharan Africa, mostly South Africa. About 10 species are native to Eurasia. There are also 160 species in southern Africa. The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to perhaps 40 mm across, and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several flowers.

Cultivation and uses

Gladioli are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Large Yellow Underwing.

See also

• List of Gladiolus species
• Gladiolus in art

References

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External links

• Pacific Bulb Society: Gladiolus

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