Gladiolus

A large genus of over 260 species, most South African species occurring in the winter rainfall region. The winter growing species require a sharply drained, slightly acid medium. Water every 3-4 days during their growing period and keep dry during their dormant period. The summer growing species require a more compost-rich medium and can handle more regular watering although also need a dry dormant period.  

Name	Gladiolus dalenii
Common name	African gladiolus
African name	udwendweni (z)
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	summer
Height	1.5m
Light requirements	full sun
Flowers	January
Medicinal uses	Used in treaditional medicine to treat diarrhoea, chest ailments caused by sorcery, sterility in women, as good luck charms and in the medicine horns of nyangas. Corms are used as tops for childrens games. Leaves are plaited into ropes.

Name	Gladiolus ecklonii
Common name	Sheathed gladiolus
African name	makhabebe (ss)
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	summer
Height	35cm
Light requirements	full sun
Flowers	March
Medicinal uses	Used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic     pain. Corms are also eaten raw or cooked.

Name	Gladiolus ochreolucus
Common name	Pink gladiolus
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	summer
Height	50cm
Light requirements	full sun
Flowers	Dec-Feb
Medicinal uses

Name	Gladiolus oppositiflorus sp. salmoneus
Common name	Salmon gladiolus
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	summer
Height	40cm
Light requirements	full sun
Flowers	January
Medicinal uses

Name	Gladiolus wilsonii
Common name	Blue gladiolus
African name
D/E	deciduous
Rainfall	summer
Height	45cm
Light requirements	full sun
Flowers	November
Medicinal uses