Gladiolus crassifolius tepal colours

Several subtle colour variations give some of the short, round-tepalled Gladiolus crassifolius corollas a special allure. Open and pollinator-inviting, the smallish cup-shape is maintained through flowering while the overlapping tepals adopt different tints.

Long-tongued bees are important among the clientele of these flowers.

The plants are also found in the grassveld on Drakensberg slopes (Manning, 2009; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; Trauseld, 1969; iNaturalist).