It is a perennial species with substantial stems and brightly coloured flowers.

There are many synonyms of Gladiolus crassifolius.

It is found in the Afro-alpine zone of Mount Kenya, up to around 3,300 m (11,000 ft).

It has scarlet petals with yellow centres and a strong stem, and has been seen growing in a variety of habitats such as forest edges and open grassland.

This Iridaceae article is a stub.