Commemorating John Sanderson (?1820–1891) of the Royal Society of Natal.

Perennial cormous herbs. Leaves numerous, tendril-tipped along erect, usually simple stems. Flowers bell-shaped, pendulous, tips spreading, radially symmetrical, stalked, stalks not articulated. Inflorescence 1- flowered, axillary. Tepals 3+3, fused, basally pouched. Stamens 3+3, attached to tepal tube base. Styles 3, basally fused. Fruit a capsule. Seeds arillate, red-brown.

Grown for the attractive bell-like flowers.

1 species from S Africa.

Tendril-leaved shoots with axillary bright orange bell-shaped flowers with almost completely fused tepals.

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Colchicaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.