Taiwan Cactus FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Cactus
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008
Number: Sp.518

The cactus family is a group of unusual looking plants with distinctive habits and gorgeous blossoms. Almost all of the families are native to the Americas. After being cultivated here in Taiwan for many years, a few species now grow naturally on beaches and other wild places.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Red Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus)
Commonly known as red pitaya or night blooming cereus, the stems of Hylocereus undatus are jointed, each with three prominent angled ribs. They can develop aerial roots on one side to clamber up walls, tree trunks, cliff surfaces or dykes.

NT$5.00: Thelocactus bicolor
It has a globular shaped stem with neat rows of beautiful spines (modified leaves). Its colorful flowers are very showy and are larger than the globose stem itself. This stunningly beautiful cactus is often cultivated as an ornamental.

NT$12.00: Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
Aptly named “joint-leaf cactus” in Chinese, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri features flat, segmented leaf-like stems. Its stem segments have smooth undulations instead of sharp teeth along the margins. Its flowers are funnel-shaped with radial symmetry.