Gladiolus brevifolius (March pypie, Autumn pipes) is a late summer/autumn flowering Gladiolus that grows on sandstone and shale slopes from Clanwilliam to Riviersonderend and Bredasdorp. It flowers in 8- to 12-flowered pink spikes with yellow markings. A solitary, sword-shaped leaf with thickened margins is produced after fire. Of the approximately 260 species of Gladiolus in the world, 165 grow in southern Africa and 110 are found in the Cape. Many amongst this spectacular group of plants have horticultural value.

So why a fynbos blog? We have always been fascinated by the remarkable flora of the Cape. From a distance it looks like dull grey-green stuff, but get up close and you will
find that it is teeming with life, is full of fascinating stories and has many uses. Enjoy!











Leave a Reply