History

The genus of Sandersonia consists of only one species (monotypic) Sandersonia aurantiaca. It is also commonly also known as Chinese Lanterns, Golden Bells and Golden Lily of the Valley. The name Sandersonia is given after its discoverer, John Sanderson, one of Natals (RSA) early English colonists. He first found the plant in "Field's Hill" near Durban and "Swartkops Hill" near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1851. Sandersonia is still found in the wild in the Drakensberg mountains of Kwazulu Natal.

Those days, Sandersonia was a common plant in South Africa. How ever now it is protected by law due to its unique botanical status and rarity! Even the leading South Afican Bank, NEDBANK, lists it as an endangered species along with five various animals.

Sandersonia as a cutflower has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity since export from New Zealand commenced in the early 1980's, primarily in Japan where it is used in traditional ikebana and now more contemporary arrangements. The flower is now sought after in European markets and other new destinations like Taiwan, USA and South America.