Edible gladiolus
Gladiolus permeabilis subsp. edulis

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a small plant often occurring in groups and growing 55 cm high. The corms are about 1 cm across. There are 3-6 leaves. Some are on the stalk and others at the base. The leaves are stiff and narrow. They are 2 mm wide. The flower stalks have 4-8 flowers. The flowers are cream or pale brown.

There are about 150-300 Gladiolus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in semi-arid places. It is usually in sandy soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The corm or bulb is eaten as a snack and also cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Root, corm

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Patrysuintjie

Synonyms

Gladiolus edulis Ker-Gawl; Gladiolus remotifolius Baker;