Orchids in Postage Stamps of Nepal

Nepal’s first ever stamp on orchids came out in 1994 known as Orchid Series. So far three different issues have been made until the end of 2009. The first issue had four different species on se-tenant block of four in sheet of sixty-four, while the second issue had just one orchid species under Flower Series with other 2 stamps with different flowers and the third issue in 2007 with 16 various Orchid species on mini sheets. So far 21 different orchid stamps have been issued by the postal authorities in Nepal.

First issue: On November 7, 1994, se-tenant block of four in sheet of 64 orchid stamps were issued. These stamps were printed in government printing office, Vienna, Austria in stamp paper with perforation of 13.5 x 13.5. Size of stamp is 29.6 x 38.5 mm. The four species are Dendrobium densiflorum (Sungava), Coelogyne flaccida, Cymbidium devonianum and Coelogyne corymbosa (Chandigava.) All these orchids are found in mid hills at an altitude of 1,200 to 2,000 m in Central Himalayan region of Nepal. Denomination for each stamp is Nepalese Rupee 10. Image of this orchid stamp is from Rajan.com. For more image on stamps of Nepal.

Second issue: The second issue is from December 28, 2000. Three various flower stamps were issued on this day, and out of three one is orchid. This issue is regular part of Flower Series for commemorative stamps. Dactylorizha hatageria known as Panchaunle in Nepalese is a famous orchid/herb found in Western Himalayan hills of Nepal. It is found above 2,800 m in cooler climates are the roots of this orchid are known to aphrodisiac properties. This stamp was printed in Helio Courvoisier S.A., Switzerland on a high quality stamp paper with photogravure technique. Size of the stamp is 29.23 x 28.56 mm. The denomination for this stamp is Rs. 5.

Third issue: Third issue came out in April 12, 2007. There are 16 stamps on mini sheet depicting flowers of various species. There is a nomenclature error in this issue which was mentioned in my earlier blog from November 28, 2009. The whole design of this mini sheet could have been better.