Gladiolus psittacinus

Gladiolus psittacinus

NAME: Gladiolus psittacinus

FAMILY: Iridaceae

COMMON NAMES: Parrot Gladiolus, Red Goblet Gladiolus

LOCAL NAMES: Rangamuwa (Sinhala), Kākatāli (Tamil)

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Gladiolus psittacinus is a stunning perennial flowering plant known for its vibrant and unique appearance. It produces tall flower spikes, reaching up to 3 feet in height, adorned with striking red and green blossoms. The flowers are arranged closely along the stem and bear a resemblance to a parrot's plumage, which contributes to its common name. Each flower has three upper petals that are a mix of red and green, forming the "parrot" head, while the lower petals are a rich solid red, forming the "goblet" body. The sword-shaped leaves are deep green and emerge from the base of the plant.

USEFUL PART(s): The flowers of Gladiolus psittacinus are the most commonly utilized part.

GENERAL USES: The flowers of Gladiolus psittacinus are highly prized for their ornamental value. They are often cultivated for floral arrangements, bouquets, and decorative displays due to their unique and eye-catching appearance. Additionally, some traditional practices involve using parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, although scientific validation of its medicinal properties is limited.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Gladiolus psittacinus is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Sri Lanka. It is commonly found in the wetlands and grassy areas of the country.

WHY IS IT GREEN?: The green coloration in Gladiolus psittacinus comes from the presence of chlorophyll, a pigment crucial for photosynthesis. The green parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain chloroplasts filled with chlorophyll, which enables the plant to convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Gladiolus psittacinus, being a native species, plays a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, like any plant, it can potentially become invasive in non-native habitats if introduced without proper management.

FUN FACT: The specific epithet "psittacinus" is derived from the Latin word "psittacus," meaning parrot, referring to the flower's resemblance to a parrot's plumage. This unique characteristic has contributed to its popularity among flower enthusiasts and collectors.

FURTHER READING:

  1. Silva, Samarakoon, et al. "Diversity of Gladiolus (Iridaceae) in Sri Lanka and their Potential for Horticultural and Medicinal Uses." European Journal of Medicinal Plants, vol. 8, no. 4, 2015, pp. 187-198.

  2. Wickramasinghe, S. M. "A Taxonomic Study of the Genus Gladiolus L. (Iridaceae) in Sri Lanka." Ph.D. dissertation, University of Peradeniya, 2005.

  3. Perera, K. L. Rukmali, et al. "A Guide to Common Flowers of Sri Lanka." National Science Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2008.