Gladiolus tristis
L. Large-flower GladiolusCorm with outer layers papery to woody. Stem unbranched, with 2 or 3 reduced leaves. Basal leaf 1, narrowly linear, 2–4 mm wide, cross-shaped in section, with thickened midrib and margin. Inflorescence with flowers secund, 2–7-flowered. Flowers funnel-shaped, dull yellow with a dark line on each perianth lobe, veining often blackish green or lobe with darkly speckled, sometimes with deeper yellow mid-vein, strongly aromatic at night. Perianth tube 4–6 cm long, widened at mouth, curved; lobes with margin and apex flat, sub-equal, spreading; adaxial lobe not or only slightly hood-shaped. Anthers 12–14 mm long. Style branches ± level with anthers. Flowers Sep.–Oct.
Wim, GleP, VVP, VRiv, GipP, OtP, Gold, CVU, HSF. Also naturalised in WA, SA, Tas. A native of South Africa. A weed of grassland and grassy woodland in cooler districts, and locally troublesome.
Conn, B.J. (1994). Iridaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 686–716. Inkata Press, Melbourne.