GLADIOLUS NATALEN'SIS. 
NATAL CORN-FLAG. 
Class. Order. 
TRIANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
lRIDEJE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Habit. 
Introduced 
Natal. 
4 feet. 
August. 
Bulb. 
in 1830. 
No. 536. 
This generic name is derived from Gladius, a 
sword. A single glance at its leaves determines its 
application. Natalensis refers to a part of Africa, 
where it is found indigenous, called Natal. It forms 
part of the Cape colony, and was discovered on 
Christmas Day — the natal day of our Saviour, 
hence its name. It was first known as Gladiolus 
psittacinus. 
This certainly is one amongst the most splendid 
plants that can be considered as belonging to our 
hardy flower compartment; and which, doubtless, 
from its beauty and increase, will ere long, become 
a general favourite. Its strong tall stems, its long 
flower spikes, and exquisitely streaked and spotted 
flowers, claim for it attention and admiration. 
It is sufficient that it be planted in a rich light 
soil, in the open border, in Spring, and taken up 
again in the autumn. The bulbs, after being grad- 
ually dried, may be wrapped in paper and preser- 
ved through winter. One strong bulb will produce 
half a dozen large, and a multitude of small ones. 
The latter we prefer keeping in pots of soil, in a 
cool cellar. 
Bot. Mag. 3032. 
