Gladiolus liliaceus flower

The dark, longitudinal line at midrib position upon a Gladiolus liliaceus tepal abandons its colour near the base, especially on the inner three tepals.

Fainter vein lines angle out to the margins, losing their continuity and become dust-like on the pale inner surface parts. The tepal upper parts are narrow and wavy, folding in near the tips.

The specific name, liliaceus (Latin), indicates the resemblance of these flowers to lilies.

Flowering happens from late winter to the end of spring. This plant was photographed at the end of August (Manning, 2007; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Mustart, et al, 1997; Andrew, 2017; www.pacificbulbsociety.org).