Gladiolus bornetti

The precise species of this Gladiolus (labelled 'bornetti' on the original tag) could not be confirmed in the botanical literature; the description is therefore given at genus level. Gladiolus is a large genus of cormous plants in the Iridaceae, well represented in southern Africa and around the Mediterranean. The corms produce sword-shaped, sheathing leaves and a stem bearing a one-sided spike of funnel-shaped flowers, in colours varying by species. Flowering occurs in spring or summer depending on origin. Cultivation calls for a sunny position, well-drained soil, and dry dormancy outside the growing season.