Sheathed gladiolus
Gladiolus ecklonii
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
A herb. It has a corm with long bristles. There are about 5 leaves. They spread fan wise. They are 20-25 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide. The flowering stalk is 50 cm high. The flowers overlap each other in a spike. They are white with purple speckles.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. In Swaziland it grows in the high veld only.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The flowers are eaten raw after the anthers are removed. They are also cooked. The corms are eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Flowers, corms, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Sidvwana