Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Gladiolus


I like these flowers because they come back every year. I have yellow and pink colours.
GladiolusThe Latin word gladius, meaning "sword," and this flower was named for the shape of its leaves. Gladiolus was also called "xiphium," from the Greek word xiphos, also meaning sword. This flower is said to have represented the Roman gladiators.
British Gladiolus used the stem base (corms) as a poultice and for drawing out thorns and splinters. A mixture of powdered corms and goat's milk was a favorite remedy for colic. In the 18th Century, African Gladioli were imported in large quantities to Europe from South Africa.

3 comments:

Judy said...

Your gladiolus are beautiful and I remember when everyone had hollyhocks growing in the fence rows everywhere. I planted some seeds and they only got about an inch tall! Yes, lets get Sara out of the limelight. I am tired of hearing about her and Michael Jackson. I would rather hear about your chickens anytime!

Galla Creek said...

Oh, they are so pretty. I can almost smell them.

Sunshine said...

These are my favorite flowers. thanks for sharing them patsy. they are beautiful