Gladiolus tristis flowers

Gladiolus tristis bears large, cream coloured flowers, often marked by brown-shaded longitudinal bands. In the photo such bands of a purplish colour, each bisected by a thin white vein, are seen on the upper three tepals only.

The flower tube length ranges from 4 cm to 6,5 cm. The funnel or trumpet shape of the corolla opens widely, displaying pale beige, oblong anthers and a white style.

Faint fragrance suffuses the air around the young flowers in the evening (Manning, 2009; www.pacificbulbsociety.org).