Abstract: Cormlet slices of Gladiolus cultivars‘Advanced Red’were cultured on MS media with 6.0 mg · L^-1 TDZ to induce embryonic callus. After 21 days under dark treatment，the callus were transferred to MS media with 1 mg · L^-1 2,4-D for inducing somatic embryogenesis under dark treatment of 28 days. The morphology and histology of somatic embryogenesis were observed by stereomicroscope and Paraffin technology. The results showed that embryonic cells did occur in darkness after 14 days and formed pre-embryonic cell complexes，which had the capacity of developing into globular，shield-shaped，heart，torpedo and single-cotyledon embryo. When matured somatic embryos were transferred into MS media，adventitious shoots and roots in plantlets developed. The somatic system included exogenous and endogenous origins，secondary somatic embryos were regenerated on primary ones.

Key words: Gladiolus, somatic embryogenesis, origin, development, morphology, histology