What is gladiolele?

Gladiolus (plural gladioli or gladioluses) is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae), native to sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, and Europe. Gladiolus plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and produce multiple spikes with dozens of flowers on each spike.

The name Gladiolus comes from the Latin word "gladius," which means sword. This refers to the sword-like shape of the leaves. Gladiolus flowers are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, orange, purple and white. They are grown as ornamental plants and are used in cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus is also the common name for a secret stay-behind network in Europe established after World War II to resist occupation by Soviet forces. The network, known as "Operation Gladio," was created by NATO and the CIA and involved the recruitment of anti-communist individuals. The existence and activities of the Gladio network were exposed through investigations and scandals in the 1990s.