The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa was created in 1994 from the bantustans of Ciskei and Transkei. The Eastern Cape Province is the primary home range for the Xhosa people. Making up almost 20% of the country’s population, they are the second largest ethnic group in South Africa; the Zulus are first.
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Gladiolus dalenii - The name for the genus Gladiolus is derived from Latin and translates as “small sword,” a reference to the narrow sword-shaped leaves put out by most Gladiolus species. The African gladiolus is native to the moist grassy regions of the Eastern Cape province. The plant grows to heights of 2 meters and produces five spikes bearing scarlet orange to bright red flowers. The African gladiolus flowers from December to February. There are about 300 species of gladiolus and they are commonly grown for ornamental purposes.
