Gladiolus huttonii

Endemic to the south-eastern Cape (South Africa), between East London and Plettenberg Bay, Gladiolus huttonii, also known as the Eastern Cape Flame, grows on sandstone slopes. The corm produces narrow, rush-like leaves and a 30–60 cm stem bearing a spike of bright red to orange flowers, the lower tepals sometimes tinged yellow. Flowering occurs in winter to spring. A winter-growing species, it requires full sun, well-drained sandy soil, and a dry summer dormancy of the corm. Its declining population places it among the species of conservation concern.