Sandersonia
Christmas Bells
Chinese Lantern
Golden Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name:
Sandersonia aurantiaca
Family:
Colchicaceae
Description
A perennial from South Africa in the Colchicaceae family, named after John Sanderson who discovered it in 1851. It produces bright orange bell-shaped flowers that hang like lanterns, resembling lily-of-the-valley with downward-facing flowers suspended from flexible stems. A rare plant with only one species in its genus, now difficult to observe in the wild.
Trivia
- Extremely rare plant with only one species in its genus
- Named after its discoverer John Sanderson
- Endangered in the wild and requires protection
- Supplied worldwide through commercial cultivation in New Zealand
Uses
Ornamental
- Cut flower use
- Flower arrangements
- Bouquet material
Other
- Commercial cultivation as premium cut flower
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
unknown
Symptoms:
Rhodanthe
Swan River Everlasting
Strawflower
Paper Daisy
Scientific Name:
Rhodanthe manglesii
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Gentleness
-
Unchanging feelings
-
Endless friendship
Description
An annual plant from Australia in the Asteraceae family that produces small pink or white flowers at stem tips in early summer. The flowers have a dry, papery texture even when fresh, making them excellent for dried flower arrangements. The name Rhodanthe comes from Greek 'rhodon' (rose) and 'anthos' (flower), meaning 'rose-colored flower'. Flowers open in sunlight and close at night or on rainy days.
Trivia
- Called 'everlasting flower' because it retains beautiful color when dried
- Native to dry regions of Australia
- Maintains color well when dried
- What appears to be petals are actually bracts
Uses
Ornamental
- Dried flower arrangements
- Cut flower use
- Garden bed planting
Other
- Potpourri ingredient
- Craft project material
Pink Paper Daisy
Rhodanthe
Strawflower
Everlasting Daisy
Scientific Name:
Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Gentleness
-
Unchanging love
-
Compassion
Description
An annual plant from Australia in the Asteraceae family that produces double flowers about 15-20mm in diameter. The petals feel dry and papery to the touch; what appears to be petals are actually bracts, with the yellow center being the true tubular flowers. Thrives in sandy soil and prefers dry conditions. Named for its beautiful flower shape resembling traditional hair ornaments.
Trivia
- Has dry flower-like texture even when fresh
- Prefers sandy soil; key is well-draining conditions
- Classified in Rhodanthe genus but commonly known as Hanakanashi
- Adapted to harsh conditions of Australian dry regions
Uses
Ornamental
- Dried flower arrangements
- Garden bed planting
- Container gardening
Other
- Craft material
- Preserved bouquet use
Agapanthus
African Blue Lily
Lily of the Nile
Love Flower
Scientific Name:
Agapanthus africanus
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Flower Language
-
The arrival of love
-
Love letter
-
Intellectual elegance
Description
A perennial from South Africa in the Amaryllidaceae family, named from Greek 'agape' (love) and 'anthos' (flower). In early summer, it sends up flower stems from clumps of glossy, thick leaves, producing cool, firework-shaped flower clusters. Ranges from large varieties over 1m tall to compact types around 30cm, with diverse flower forms. Hardy and low-maintenance, suitable for naturalized plantings.
Trivia
- Scientific name Agapanthus means 'flower of love'
- Called 'Firework Flower' in English due to its shape
- Both evergreen and deciduous varieties exist
- 10-20 native species grow wild in South Africa
Uses
Ornamental
- Garden planting
- Cut flower use
- Parks and street landscaping
Medicinal
- Used in South African traditional medicine for pregnancy and childbirth
Caution:
Medical evidence is limited; consult a physician before use.
Other
- Flower arrangements
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Entire plant, Especially bulbs
Symptoms:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Passion Flower
Blue Passion Flower
Common Passion Vine
Hardy Passion Flower
Scientific Name:
Passiflora caerulea
Family:
Passifloraceae
Flower Language
-
Faith
-
Religious faith
-
Sacred love
Description
A climbing perennial from tropical and subtropical Central and South America in the Passifloraceae family. Named 'clock flower' because the three-divided pistils resemble clock hands and the petals arrange in a circle like a clock face. Called 'Passion Flower' in English because 16th-century Roman Catholic priests saw Christ's Passion in the flower structure. Flowers are short-lived, opening in morning and closing by evening.
Trivia
- Representative species of the Passiflora genus with about 500 species
- Each flower part corresponds to Christ's Passion, depicted in religious art
- Some varieties produce passion fruit, but differ from ornamental types
- Day flowers that open in morning and close by evening
Uses
Ornamental
- Wall greening as climbing plant
- Garden arches and trellises
- Container growing for ornamental use
Medicinal
- Used in folk medicine for anxiety and insomnia
- Believed to have sedative effects
Caution:
Medical evidence is limited; consult physician before medicinal use.
Culinary
- Fruits (some species only)
Other
- Religious decoration
- Horticultural therapy
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Leaves, Unripe fruits
Symptoms:
Large amounts may cause mild sedative effects or gastrointestinal upset.