Gladiolus quadrangulus

Tony Palmer

Gladiolus quadrangulus is unusual in producing no nectar and having a perianth tube too narrow for an insect's tongue. It has prominently displayed anthers and only a light fragrance. It's therefore assumed (Goldblatt) that the flowers of G. quadrangulus offer pollen as a reward for pollinators - a rare strategy in the genus. It is easily grown, which is fortunate as its long term survival in the wild seems unlikely, and quite delightful.

Tony Palmer

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