Gladiolus filiformis, a poorly known species from North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Gladiolus filiformis was described in 1998 from only the type specimen, which was collected in 1977.
Objectives: The aim of this article was to expand our knowledge of the morphology, distribution, ecology, and conservation status of this poorly known species.
Method: Data presented were based on field observations, with dissections and diagnostic descriptions conducted in the field.
Results: A comprehensive account of the morphology, distribution, ecology and conservation status for G. filiformis was presented for the first time.
Conclusion: Gladiolus filiformis is more common than previously thought. The species is not an edaphic specialist and it occurs mainly on sediments of the Transvaal supergroup. Its heteromorphically winged fruit were described here, showing an intermediate form between Gladiolus pretoriensis and Gladiolus oatesii.