Gladiolus quadrangulus Seeds - South African Indigenous Bulb - Perennial Flower Seeds from Africa

Gladiolus quadrangulus Seeds

South African Indigenous Flowering Perennial Bulb

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 cutting 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. The Australian comedian and personality Dame Edna Everage's signature flowers are gladioli, which she refers to as "glads". Gladiolus quadrangulus 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 (Goldblatt) that the flowers of G. 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.