Λάζαρος, Μασσιαιράς, Γλαδίολος ο ιταλικός
Etymology of Gladiolus italicus: Latin "gladiolus" diminutive of "gladius" (sword), meaning "little sword", alluding to the leaf shape. It is called "italicus'' because apparently it was initially recorded in Italy.
Two Gladiolus species can be found in the Cypriot wild habitat.
Gladiolus italicus is a popular plant of the Cypriot nature. It can be encountered all around Cyprus at a maximum altitude of 1375 metres. Gladiolus italicus mostly grows in cultivated and uncultivated fields, as well as in prairies. Its flowering period in Cyprus is between March and April.