Gladiolus violaceolineatus

Quick Characteristics:

Gladiolus violaceolineatus G.J.Lewis grows in the Cederberg Mountains, where it is generally found on south-facing sandstone slopes that remain moist throughout the winter, according to Goldblatt & Manning. The flower is pale violet with dark purple lines on the tepals, which are often narrower and longer than shown in these photos. The flowers are sweet-smelling, and reportedly bloom in early spring, although they may bloom a bit later at higher elevations. The first two photos by Michael Mace. The last photo from Rod Saunders.