Post Fiji
The Native Orchids Of Fiji Issue

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22nd April 1997

The orchid family is one of the largest families of plants in the world. The number of species is reported as being anywhere between 17,000 and 25,000 with new species constantly being discovered.

Fiji has about 170 species of orchids. Of these some 50 are endemic. Many species of exotic (overseas) orchids have been imported and appear to grow naturally in the wild. Only a few of the native orchids have large and attractive flowers. Most have small to miniature flowers and some last as long as one day or occasionally only for a few hours.

Fiji's native orchids grow at sea level. They can be found on trees hanging over the waves on rocky beaches and also on the highest of mountains. Most prefer the humid shade of the forests where they grow as epiphytes (on trees or rocks) as well as terrestrials (in the ground). A particular species is commonly seen growing on the sides of the roads in the wetter areas. A few grow on the sandy islands off Nadi. Many of those which grow at higher altitudes cannot grow anywhere else.

The designs are as follows:


81c
81 cents - Dendrobium Biflorum

This orchid is native to an area extending from Vanuatu to the Society Islands. In Fiji it is found only in Viti Levu and Ovalau growing in areas of strong light from sea level to 900 meters. The plants, growing as epiphytes on trees, build up large clumps of thin canes which can be 1.5 meters long. The flowers, usually in pairs, are about 3cm across with thin and spidery, pale creamy/yellow petals and sepals. They only last one day. It is possible that flowering may be triggered by a sudden drop in temperature. The orchid can be seen in the old rubber trees at Wainadoi and on raintrees in Suva.

87c
87 cents - Dendrobium Dactylodes

This orchid is native to Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa. In Fiji it has only been seen in Viti Levu in the areas between sea level to 900 meters. The orchid grows in humid forests as epiphytes on trees. It can build up large clumps of cane 1.5 meters or more. Its flowers are usually 2 to 3cm across and yellow to creamy white in colour. The flowers only last for part of a day with the colour darkening in the afternoon as the flowers close. It is possible that flowering may be triggered by a sudden drop in temperature. The orchid can be seen in the same places as the Dendrobium Biflorum.

$1.06
$1.06 - Spathoglottis Pacifica

This is a common orchid which is most often seen growing along roadsides in the wetter areas of Fiji from sea level to 1000 meters. It is also found in open forests in wet areas as well as on the islands of Lau, Kadavu and the Yasawas. It is native to the area from Vanuatu to Fiji, Wallis Islands and Samoa. There are usually four or five long, pleated leaves on short pseudobulbs. The inflorescence starts from the base of the plants and can be up to 1.5 meters tall with ten or more flowers 1.5cm long and 0.75cm wide. The flower's colours range from deep pink to mauve to (almost) white with a yellow mark on the labellum (lip). The flowers last quite well and the spikes are sometimes picked for floral arrangements. Plants with yellow, deep purple or white flowers are imported species.

$2
$2 - Dendrobium Macropus

This orchid (previously D. Gracilicaule) is found only on Viti Levu in Fiji, but is native of a wide area from Northern Australia, Lord Howe Island, the Kermadec and Norfolk Islands to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. The orchid grows as an epiphytes on forest trees from the areas between sea level to 900 meteres. Pseudobulbs are about 50cm long with four to six leaves. The inflorescence starts from near the centre of the leaves. There is a spike of five or ten small scented flowers which are about 1 to 1.5cm across and are coloured pale to dark yellow with spots of maroon on the backs. These orchids grow in forest regions.


Technical details

Title The Native Orchids Of Fiji
Values 81c, 87c, $1.06, $2
Designer Dr. M. Doyle/R.H. (Dick) Phillips
Printer BDT International Security Printing Ltd.
Process Lithography
Stamp Size 28.45 x 42.58 mm
Stamp Format Portrait
Set 50 (2 x 25)
Perforation
Gauge 14 per 2cm
Paper Crown Agents Spiral Watermarked

This issue is now only available through dealers.


Online ordering now available for Deposit/Standing order account holders!

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