Gladiolus is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family with around 255 species. They are perennial bulbous flowering plants, sometimes called Sword lilies, but usually by its generic name, Gladiolus. It has been studied by taxonomists and now includes the genera Acidanthera, Homoglossum, Anomalesia and Oenostachys. The geographic range includes Africa, Madagascar, Europe, and the Middle East. They are treasured the world over for their beautiful, showy flowers which grow on tall spikes. These plants are often planted in cut flower gardens or in the back along the border, as they grow 60cm to 1.8 m tall. They make excellent cut flowers and are easily grown in raised garden beds and rockeries. Most Gladioli do equally well in pots. Gladioli are the flowers associated with a fortieth wedding anniversary.

Gladiolus wilsonii, synonymously known as Gladiolus frederickii, Gladiolus permeabilis subsp. wilsonii, Gladiolus permeabilis var. wilsonii or Tritonia wilsonii, is a South African endemic species found in the Eastern Cape Province where it grows to 60cm tall. It has linear leaves and sweetly scented white-cream flowers with a pink flush on the reverse of the upper tepals during spring.