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Sword Lily
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Sword Lily

Gladiolus

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameSword Lily
DescriptionSlender flower spikes with numerous funnel-shaped blooms in a wide range of vibrant colors, including red, pink, yellow, and purple, that open progressively from the bottom up
FamilyIridaceae
GenusGladiolus
TribeGladioleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr ⊕ ⚥ P(3+3) A3+3 G(3)

This formula indicates the flower is bisexual (⚥), actinomorphic (⊕), has a perianth with 6 tepals in two whorls (P(3+3)), 6 stamens with the androecium attached to the tepals (A3+3), and a superior, tricarpellary, syncarpous (united) ovary (G(3))

Features
  • Its tall, slender, sword-shaped leaves inspired the name, originating from the Latin word 'gladius', meaning sword
  • Tall, striking flower spike with large, funnel-shaped blooms that open sequentially from the bottom up, showcasing vibrant colors like pink, purple, white, and more
  • It is a herbaceous perennial plant
  • Grow to be a height of 1 - 6 feet and with lifespan of 2 - 3 years
  • Native to Africa, Eurasia, and the Mediterranean region and found in Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, northwestern Africa and eastern Africa
  • Require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificGladiolus
English (Alternate)Gladiolus Hybrids, Xiphium
Hindiग्लेडियोलस (Gladiolus)
Tamilகாந்தள் (Kaanthal), கார்த்திகைப்பூ (Karthigaipoo)
Telugu గ్లాడియోలస్ (Gladiolus)
Malayalamഗ്ലാഡിയോലസ് (Gladiolus)
Kannadaಗ್ಲಾಡಿಯೋಲಸ್ (Gladiolus)
Sanskritग्लाडियोलस (gladiolas)
Bengaliগ্ল্যাডিওলাস (Gladiolus)
FrenchGlaïeul
Russianгладиолус (gladiolus)
SpanishGladiolo, Estoque
Germandie Gladiole

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.