Gladiolus dalenii (Iridaceae, Crocoideae) naturalized in Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

In this work, the presence of naturalized Gladiolus dalenii (Iridaceae, Crocoideae) is reported for the first time for Argentina (Misiones province). The species description, synonyms, iconography, geographical distribution, phenology, pollination, dispersal, local names, uses, reference materials, and comments about its naturalization are provided. This study also presents a key to distinguish G. dalenii from G. communis and G. tristis, the other species of the genus already reported as naturalized in the country. Finally, findings of Gladiolus hybrids of large flowers escaped from cultivation in Buenos Aires province are commented.