In medicine and botany, "gladiolus" refers to two distinct meanings. Firstly, it is the center part (main body) of the sternum, also known as the breastbone, which resembles the shape of a little sword. Secondly, it represents a genus of flowering plants belonging to the iris family. These plants are chiefly native to Africa and are characterized by their erect sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brilliantly colored irregular flowers that arise from corms.