A small genus of tuberous-rooted herbs from Eastern Asia, with equitant ensiform leaves, branched stems, spathaceous bracts, and orange-coloured flowers spotted with purple-brown. Perianth-segments equal, spreading, narrowed at the base; tube very short. Stigmas petaloid. Name from a leopard, and a flower, in allusion to the spotted flowers.

1. P. Chinensis. - This grows from 18 to 24 inches high, with

Gladiolus Gandavensis. (1/6 nat. size.) a leafy stem and numerous orange-red spotted flowers nearly 2 inches in diameter. A native of China, blooming in Summer.