Gladiolus virescens flower

The strongly fragrant, two-lipped flowers of Gladiolus virescens grow on a mostly unbranched stem, the inflorescence an inclined spike bearing three to twelve flowers. The two bracts below each flower are unequal, the inner one smaller, the bracts green and vein lined.

The corolla tube is short, about 9 mm to 15 mm long. The dorsal tepal is longest and almost erect, the upper laterals widest. The upper three tepals are lined or feathered green or purple, flushed brownish purple or pink, all three narrowing at the base, somewhat into claws. The lower three cohere, reach further forward with spoon-shaped, wider tip parts on the laterals. They are yellow- or white-banded, the tips sometimes pink or mauve. Flower diameter is about 3 cm.

The specific name, virescens, is derived from the Latin word virescere meaning to grow green, referring to green colouring on the flowers.

The three white filaments are arched together, up to 27 mm long. Their anthers are 8 mm long and dark, the pollen yellow. The ovary is oblong and the white, two-branched style arches over the stamens. 

The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees.

Flowering happens late in winter and early in spring.

The fruit capsules are ovoid to ellipsoid, about 25 mm long. The seeds are round to ovate, yellow-brown and evenly winged (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).