GLADIOLUS, CORN-FLAG: A genus of the monogynia
monogynia order, belonging to the triandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the sixth order, Ensatæ. The corolla is sexpartite, and ringent; the lamina ascending and bending upwards. There are 10 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.