Gladiolus constitute a genus known in scientific language as Gladiolus.
The term gladiolus , also accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) as gladiolus (with accent on the letter I ), has its etymological origin in Latin gladiŏlus . This word, in turn, is the diminutive of gladius (which translates as "sword" ).
Etymology , therefore, links the idea of gladiolus to a small sword . This has to do with the shape of the plant that receives the name.
What is a gladiolus
Gladioli are part of the Iridaceae family group. They have rapier-like leaves and generally reddish flowers in a terminal spike. These vegetables, which usually reach a height of about sixty centimeters, are grown in gardens , although they also grow naturally in soils that are characterized by their high level of humidity.
It is important to keep in mind that gladioli constitute a genus , known by the scientific name Gladiolus . Therefore, there are different species of gladiolus, which share many characteristics but, at the same time, have traits that are different.
Gladioli are bulbous plants because they have underground organs where they store nutrients. Specifically, these organs are corms , as the stems that grow underground are called, with a thickened base and nodes from which the buds emerge. The bulbs of gladiolus are used for plant multiplication.
Plant symbolism
We said that the etymological root of this plant is found in a Latin word translated as “little sword” . The name is attributed to Pliny and is associated with the appearance of the specimens.
In any case, there is another reason that is mentioned in this regard and that gives the gladiolus a particular symbolism. In the times of the Roman Empire , it was customary to give a gladiolus flower to those gladiators who managed to win in a confrontation. That is why the gladiolus is considered a symbol of triumph.
Some species of gladiolus have pinkish flowers.
The cultivation of gladiolus
Currently, the gladioli that are cultivated are hybrids obtained from crossing different species of Gladiolus . These crossings began at the beginning of the 19th century .
These interventions led to genetic improvement and favored cultivars for the commercialization of plants and flowers. In fact, more resistant specimens with larger flowers were obtained.
Gladiolus is usually used for floriculture : its flowers are cut and marketed. However, it can also be used as an ornamental plant .
Some species
The common gladiolus , scientific name Gladiolus communis , is native to southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It can measure up to one meter in height and stands out for the bright pinkish hue of its flowers during the spring season.
The field gladiolus ( Gladiolus italicus ), meanwhile, is native to Eurasia although it grows as a weed in other regions . From Gladiolus dalenii and Gladiolus cardinalis , on the other hand, many of the most popular hybrids arise.
Gladiolus carneus , Gladiolus illyricus , Gladiolus palustris , Gladiolus murielae , Gladiolus unguiculatus and Gladiolus gregarius are other types of gladiolus.