Gladiolus italicus - Field Gladiolus - (Liliaceae)

Gladiolus grows on a rocky slope in an Algarve woodland

Wild Gladioli grow on a rocky slope in an Algarve woodland.

This beautiful wildflower, a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae) can be found throughout the Mediterranean region flowering on hillsides,in grassy places, olive groves and often in cereal crops where it can be invasive - see below. Roadside verges and banks are sometimes turned completely pink during the flowering season.

An arable crop field filled with Gladiolus italicus

This crop in the Algarve has been invaded by Gladiolus italicus.

Gladiolus italicus flowers from March until June. It is sometimes sold as a cut flower in the Mediterranean.

A closeup picture of Wild Gladiolus

The specimen above was photographed in the Algarve in April.