Taiwan Flowers (I) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Flowers (1st Series)
Date of Issue: 12 March 2008
Number: Def. 129(I)

The colors and shapes of Taiwan's flowering plants are varied. To introduce the beauty of Taiwan's flowers, Chunghwa Post is issuing a series of definitive stamps on flowers.

Denominations:
NT$3.50: Spanish Flag Lantana camara (馬纓丹)
Lantana camara is an evergreen shrub of the Verbenaceae family. Its leaves are opposite and ovate and both the leaves and stems have unpleasant acrid odors. The flowers are arranged in flat heads. The lantana is a popular ornamental plant because it flowers for a long and sustained period. Its fruit, leaves and stems are poisonous and therefore should not be eaten.

NT$5.00: Orange Jessamine Murraya paniculata (月橘)
Also known as orange jasmine or Chinese box, Murraya paniculata is an evergreen shrub of the Rutaceae family. Its small alternate leaves are ovate and glossy. White and campanulate, its corymbose flowers, each with five petals, are highly fragrant. Its wood is fine and hard and suitable for making seals. It is a widely planted ornamental.

NT$12.00: Flower of Yellow Ipê Tabebuia chrysantha (黃金風鈴木)
Also known as golden goddess, Tabebuia chrysantha is a deciduous tree of the Bignoniaceae family. Its small leaves are opposite and obovate. Funnel-shaped, its bright yellow corolla are grouped in panicles with wrinkly edges. Care should be taken to avoid touching its flowers or fruit since contact might cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

NT$25.00: Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa (洛神葵)
Also known as rosella, Hibiscus sabdariffa is an annual herbaceous subshrub of the Malvaceae family. Its leaves are alternate and have thick hair on both sides. With petals that are imbricate, the plant’s flowers open light yellow and age to pink. Its large and fleshy calyces are bright red and quite nutritious. The calyces are quite flavorful once they are dried and cooked.