Gladiolus

Gladiolus (Gladiolus) are a fast-growing species from the subfamily Iridaceae. Their natural habitat is in the woodland and grassland of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) from Victoria Falls to Rundu. They grow from 20 to 80cm in height.

Sweet-smelling flowers vary in shades usually with bright contrasting markings on their petals. They bloom throughout the year and attract butterflies and other insects. Bushpigs eat their corms and the leaves are used for making ropes. Gladiolus are also used for treating chest ailments and sterility in women. These plants require a decent amount of water, a lot of sunshine and are frost half-hardy.