Gladiolus venustus flower spike

The zigzagging (flexuose) spike of Gladiolus venustus flowers facing in opposite directions is compact and colourful. The specific name, venustus, is a Latin adjective meaning beautiful, charming or attractive, capturing the inflorescence admirably.

The overlapping bracts in picture hold the corolla bases adequately. They are pale green, their tips usually soon dry. The bract veins are transparent. The outer bract is around 3 cm long (Manning, 2007; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; iNaturalist; https://www.worldfloraonline.org).