GLADIOLUS Cardinalis. 

 Superb Corn-Jlag. 



Class and Order . — T riaxdria Monogyma. 

 Syn. Gladiolus Cardinalis. Bot. Mag. t. 135. 



Root bulbous — leaves radical, embracing the stem at the base, linear, lanceo- 

 late, striate — scape sometimes two feet in height, drooping, many-flowered 

 — calyx two sheath-like segments, lanceolate, acute — corolla bright scarlet, 

 monopetalous, campanulate, tube long, limb six segments, irregular, 

 oblong, ovate, margins undulate ; three smaller segments beautifully 

 marked with a white stripe on the centre of each — stamens three — fila- 

 ments long, inserted in the tube of the corolla — anthers oblong — style 

 longer than the stamens — stigma divided into three parts. 



It is almost impossible to give an adequate representation of the 

 brilliant colour of this beautiful species of Gladiolus, which was intro- 

 duced into this country from Holland, about the year 1789, by the 

 g'ardeuer to the King of Naples : though generally considered a tender 

 plant, it will be found to grow well out of doors, in a southern aspect 

 and sheltered situation, only requiring protection in the winter to keep 

 the roots from severe frosts. Many of the bulbs fi'om the Cape of 

 Good Hope, of which place this is a native, may be grown well with 

 care and attention in the open air, and make a beautiful addition to 

 the flower garden in the summer months. The bulbs should be planted 

 six or eight inches deep in a rich sandy soil, in a south aspect, where 

 they will grow strong and flower freely. The hardiest species are 



G, tristis. 



— byzantinus. 



— communis. 



— carneus. 



— segetum. 



PI. 46. 



