The 2012 New Zealand Native Trees stamp issue features five gummed stamps which portray five iconic native New Zealand trees. Each of the beautiful species is depicted in a detailed illustrative style, showing flowers, fruit, leaves etc. and the scientific name of each species is included in the design – adding to the authenticity of the issue.
New Zealand’s isolation from the rest of the world has allowed its unique flora to evolve and flourish, resulting in the distinctive array of native trees present today. This high degree of endemism makes New Zealand’s native trees truly special, so much so that Conservation International has recognised New Zealand as a world biodiversity hotspot. Almost all of New Zealand’s native species of conifers, flowering trees and tree ferns occur nowhere else – resulting in native forests like no other on Earth. As New Zealanders we need to celebrate this unique treasure we have in our forests and landscape, which is what this issue sets out to do.
60c - Pōhutukawa. $1.20 - Cabbage Tree.
60c - Pohutukawa / Metrosideros.
The pōhutukawa is a species of Metrosideros, and is often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree due to its display of bright red, pollen-producing stamens in summer, over the Christmas Period. The undersides of the leaves and flower buds are densely furry with white hairs. Although it is widely cultivated throughout the country, in nature it is restricted to the northern North Island, mostly in costal habitats. It is interesting to note that the Indonesia 2012 miniature sheet shows a pohutukawa at Kaikoura in New Zealand’s South Island
$1.20 - Cabbage Tree or Ti Kouka / Cordyline Australis.
The cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) or tï kouka is found throughout New Zealand in moist soils and swamps. It is a tall, much-branched tree, and has long, narrow leaves with many parallel veins. The abundant small white flowers are attached to the branching stems of large inflorescences, and the fruits are white to purple berries.
For a while recently the cabbage tree was subjected to a disease that was killing many trees. Fortunately many are resistant or have developed resistant and so the iconic tree has managed to survive.
$1.90 - Kōwhai.
$1.90 - Kowhai / Sophora Microphylla.
The vibrant kōwhai tree is most conspicuous in spring, with its bright golden-yellow flowers. Its flowers are bird pollinated and the petals are arranged in a sort of tube to contain a sufficient quantity of nectar. Sophora microphylla is widespread and grows near streams and at lake edges. It is also a popular garden plant with many people planting this tree for the colour of its flowers and for the many native birds that are attracted.
$2.40 - Nīkau. $2.90 - Mānuka.
$2.40 - Nikau / Rhopalostylis.
The nīkau (Rhopalostylis) is the furthest south palm in the Southern Hemisphere. It is impressive in height, and the top of the trunk is crowned by a spreading cluster of enormous leaves divided into leaflets. Flower clusters arise below the crown of leaves and form bright red berries. Where the nīkau is plentiful it gives the feeling of a tropical forest.
The leaves of the Nikau can be used as a covering for a hut or bush shelter, as woven together they make a thick, almost water-proof matted covering.
$2.90 - Manuka / Leptospermum Scoparium.
The mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is a widespread shrub that sometimes grows to a small tree. Its leaves are very small and quite sharply pointed, and it is abundant with small white flowers (although pink and red varieties are cultivated). The timber of this tree is a very dense and heavy wood which is used for carving or making really great fire wood. The wood gives off a very strong distinctive smoke as it burns so Manuka is often used for smoking fish and other meats.
The leaves from this tree can be used to make a bitter tea which is said to help with many forms of illness. The mānuka is well known for the dark, strong flavoured honey it produces. Manuka honey is known to have healing properties where it is either taken straight or made into a wide range of health and skin products.
Above is the miniature sheet while below can be seen the First Day Cover complete with three special postal cancellations.
2012 Indonesia International Stamp Exhibition.
To commemorate Indonesia 2012, New Zealand Post issued an exhibition miniature sheet and exhibition souvenir cover. The exhibition miniature sheet incorporates three stamps from the ‘2012 New Zealand Native Trees’ stamp issue. The stamps are set against a picturesque image of a pōhutukawa tree in Kaikoura in New Zealand’s South Island. (After considering my notes above on the natural habit of this tree, I wonder how this example came to be here.)
Also featured in the design is the official Indonesia 2012 logo - a letter-carrying pigeon in the batik style. Pigeons are known around the world as a symbol of peace and were historically used as message carriers.
Technical Information - New Zealand Native Trees.
Date of issue:
| 1 February 2012 |
|---|---|
Number of stamps:
| Five gummed stamps |
Stamps, miniature sheet, first day covers and presentation pack designed by:
| 2Di4 Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
Denominations:
| 60c, $1.20, $1.90, $2.40, $2.90 |
Printer and process:
| Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
Number of colours:
| Four process colours |
Stamp size and format:
| 30mm x 40mm |
Paper type:
| Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
Number of stamps per sheet:
| 25 |
Perforation gauge:
| 14.5 |
Special blocks:
| Plate/imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
Period of sale:
| Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 31 January 2013 |
Technical information - 2012 Indonesia International Stamp Exhibition.
Date of issue:
| 18 June 2012 |
|---|---|
Miniature sheet, first day covers designed by:
| Stamps Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington |
Printer and process:
| Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
Number of colours:
| Four process colours |
Paper type:
| Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
Some of the images in this post were used with permission from the illustrated catalogue of StampsNZ
You can visit their web site and On-line Catalogue at, http://stampsnz.com/
I enjoyed reading this post. There is so much detail in these stamps. I am Geoff, Ayaka's b/f. I have just begun reading this blog. There is a lot here. A lot to see.
ReplyDeleteGeoff