GLADIOLUS, CORN-FLAG; a genus of the mogygia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants. There are ten species, of which the most remarkable is the communis, or common gladiolus. This hath a round, compressed, tuberous root; long sword-shaped leaves; an erect flower-stalk, two or three feet high; the top garnished with several pretty large flowers of a red or white colour, having each six petals. They appear in May and June, and are succeeded by plenty of seed in August. The plants are very hardy, and will thrive in any soil or situation. They are propagated by offsets from the roots.