Gladiolus saundersii speckled lower tepals

The three lower tepals of this Gladiolus saundersii flower have variably dense red speckling on most of their white areas. The lateral upper tepals, red and spreading, show many regularly spaced, parallel vein lines resembling ploughed furrows. The acutely tipped dorsal tepal casts a shadow over droopy style branches and anthers somewhat successful in holding their tips high. The lower three tepals match the dorsal for acutely pointed tips.

At the top in picture, the narrow cone of a furled bud corolla is flanked by the unequal tips of the bracts that hold its base in position (Pooley, et al, 2025; Manning, 2009; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; Pooley, 1998; Trauseld, 1969; iNaturalist).