Gladiolus carmineus

Cliff Gladiolus bravely flowers on coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops, where the wind blows ferociously. It is a habitat specialist, growing on a small stretch always in sight of the sea.

When going for a walk in autumn, battling against the gusts and the sea spray, it is always a shocking delight to observe the red/dark pink gladioli. The flowers last only a day, when new ones on the stem open.

Sometimes one is lucky to see more than one flowering simultaneously on a stem.

It is a bonus when one comes across a clump of the of the plants, for their status is Vulnerable due to urban development.

Botanical websites and books claim Gladiolus carmineus can be found from Pringle Bay to Cape Infanta, but you are lucky if you see them.

In Pringle Bay we have observed a few up Hangklip and on the rocks close to the sea.

In Rooiels we have Gladiolus carmineus too! We are rewriting the books with our observation in the Rooiels Corridor.

You might have seen the cliff gladiolus, flowering in pink/red brilliance. Sometimes some pop up on private property, or on the road verge. What a lovely surprize and privilege.

Click to find out more on Inaturalist