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The term "European Gladioli" refers to species within the genus Gladiolus that are native to Europe, often found in the Mediterranean region. Examples include Gladiolus communis (Eastern Gladiolus) and Gladiolus italicus (Field Gladiolus), which feature spikes of flowers and grow from corms. While commonly known as Sword Lilies, these European species are distinct from the widely cultivated, large-flowered hybrids which are mostly derived from African species.
Native range: Primarily the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe.
Growth habit: They are cormous perennial plants with tall, often unbranched, flower spikes that emerge from a bulb-like corm.
Foliage: Leaves are typically slender and sword-shaped, with a grooved or sheath-like structure.
Flowers: Flower spikes are often, though not always, one-sided, with individual flowers emerging from the bottom of the spike and opening upwards.
Cultivated vs. wild: The large, colorful flower spikes seen in commercial products are largely the result of centuries of hybridization and selection, mostly from African species. Native European species often have more delicate or less vibrant flowers compared to these cultivated hybrids.
