Reptiles of Aland - 2002

 

Aland Post issued the stamp set features reptiles series on January 2, 2002. The issue stamps composed of two postage stamps depicted the Smooth snake (Coronella austricia) and the Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus).

 

Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca)

Coronella austriaca ( smooth snake^[) is a harmless colubrid species found in northern and central Europe. but also as far east as northern Iran. In Finland, the species is found only on the Åland Islands. Colubridae is the largest snake family. Colubrid species are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Both sexes grow to an average length of about 50 cm .The head has a rostral scale that is at least as deep as it is wide, creating a triangular indentation between the internasals. The top of the head is covered with 9 large plates. Dorsally, the head has a somewhat heart-shaped marking that resembles an inverted V posteriorly. This shape is where the name Coronella comes from, which means coronet (a small crown).

Wildlife in Norway V - 2010

Regularly Norway Post issued the fifth of stamp set features wildlife on January 2, 2010. The issue comprise of 3 postage stamps with vary nominal value. The depicted species of wildlife are Otter (Lutra lutra), Lemming (Lemmus lemmus), Norwegian wolverine (Gulo gulo).

The Otter (Lutra lutra), with its long, streamlined body, is a better swimmer than most other land mammals. Unlike sea mammals, however, it has to surface often to breathe. Most dives last for less than 30 seconds. 

Fish are its most common prey, but it also hunts shellfish, amphibians and birds. Adult males weigh 6-12 kg and have a body length (minus tail) of about 70 cm. The otter can reach an age of 18 years.

They are most common in coastal areas in central and northern Norway.  The stock was then greatly reduced, but has gradually picked up again.

Trees in Medical Use – Dominica

On June 17,  2003, Dominica Post issued the stamp set features the medicinal plant tree. The issue  comprises of 4 postage stamps depicted the trees in medical use; such as : Hymenaea courboril, Spondias mombin, Genipa americana (Jagua), Guazuma ulmifonia (Guacima). 

Hymenaea courboril

Hymenaea courbaril  is a tree common to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It is a hardwood that is used for furniture, flooring and decorative purposes.

Hymenaea courbaril produces an orange, resinous, sticky gum that converts to amber through a chemical process that requires millions of years. Hymenaea courbaril is a very hard wood measuring 5.6 on the Brinell scale , approximate measurements of hardness. Hymenaea courbaril wood features a tan/salmon color with black accent stripes that over time turns to a deep rich red color. 

Flora Fauna of Morocco

Morocco Post issued  the stamp set features their flora fauna  on  May  28,2011. The issue comprises of two postage stamps depicted species of flora, Henna, and species of fauna, Turkey.

 

Turkey

A turkey is a large bird in the genus Meleagris. One species, Meleagris gallopavo, commonly known as the Wild Turkey, is native to the forests of North America. The domestic turkey is a descendant of this species.

Wild turkeys are omnivorous, foraging on the ground or climbing shrubs and small trees to feed. Adult wild turkeys have long reddish-yellow to grayish-green legs and a black body. Males, called toms or gobblers, have a large, featherless, reddish head, red throat, and red wattles on the throat and neck. The head has fleshy growths called caruncles.

Mushroom 6th series of Iceland

Iceland Post issued the regularly stamp set features mushroom series. The sixth series has issued  only one stamp and  one FDC on July 02, 2012. The species depicted is The crab brittlegill or Russula xerampelina. It is edible mushroom.

Russula xerampelina, also commonly known as the crab brittlegill or the shrimp mushroom, is a basidiomycete mushroom of the brittlegill genus Russula.Older mushroom smell of shellfish or herring. This mushroom grows in grassy woodlands and peaty soil. It it common in Iceland. The species is mainly characterized by its odour and is often called "herring russula". The crab brittlegill is the main species.

Estonian Fauna – Bat

 

On February 14, 2008, Estonian Post issued a single stamp set features the wildlife series. The species depicted is  Plecotus auritus (Brown long-eared bat). The issue only one stamp and 2 (two) first day covers which have image of this species.

 

Bats are the only mammals actually able to fly using their wings that connect the digits, the body, the hind limbs and the tail. Twelve species of bats have been registered in Estonia. 

The Damascus International Flower Fair - 2011

The Syrian Arab Republic General Establishment of Posts has issued the flower stamp series in related with  the Damascus International Flower Fair 2011 on June 22, 2011. The issue stamps consist of 5 single stamps depicted the well known flower such as: Nerium Oleander, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, The Bird of Paradise, and Dahlia.

Nerium Oleander

Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree, as  the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium of the  family Apocynaceae. This small tree have  toxic in all its parts. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though southwest Asia has been suggested. Nerium Oleander is one of the most poisonous of commonly grown garden plants.

Poisonous Mushroom of Bulgaria

Bulgaria Post PLC issued the stamp series feature the poisonous mushrooms on July 29, 2011. The issue stamp are 4 single stamps and one miniature sheet depicted the poisonous mushroom  such as: Rhodophyllus sinuatus, Russula emetica, Omphalotus olearius Sing, Inocybe patouillardii.

 

Many people are interested in mushroom because they are edible. But everyone also knows that wild mushroom can be both delicious and deadly poisonous. Unfortunately, there is no simple way of saying what is edible and what is poisonous. Many poisonings occur when people are experimenting with odd species. There has also been some concern about the concentrations of metals such as arsenic, cadmium, copper and lead in wild mushroom.

Medicinal Plants of Tunisia

Tunisia Post  (Office National des Postes Tunisie) has issued the stamp series feature their medicinal plants on June 28 , 2011. The issue stamps comprised of 4 single stamps depicted medicinal plants such as: Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Garlic (Allium sativum), Lemon Verbena (Lippa tryphilla), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a herbaceous annual plant in the family Apiaceae that can grow to 3 ft  tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 0.5–2 in  long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaves. The flowers are white, approximately 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3 – 5 mm long, usually called "aniseed".

Green Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well drained soil. The seeds should be planted as soon as the ground warms up in spring. Its native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.

Green Anise is sweet and very aromatic, distinguished by its characteristic flavor which has some similarities with liquorice, fennel, and tarragon. Anise contains anethole, a phytoestrogen and has been used to treat menstrual cramps. Its essential oil  has reportedly been used as an insecticide against head-lice and mites. Western cuisines have long used anise to flavor some dishes, drinks, and candies.

Fruit of Bosnia Herzegovina.

 

B & H Croatian Post Mostar  of Bosnia Herzegovina issued the stamp series features the fruit species on November 1, 2011. The issue stamps comprise of two single stamps featured the species Common fig ( Ficus carica), and Pomegranate ( Punica granatum).

 

Ficus carica (Common fig)

Ficus carica is a monoecious, deciduous tree or a large shrub. It is native to the Middle East. It was later cultivated from Afghanistan to Portugal, and from the 15th century onwards, was grown in areas including Northern Europe.

Ficus carica (Common fig) grows to a height of 6.9–10 metres  tall, with smooth grey bark. It is well known for its large, fragrant leaves.

The Common fig tree has been cultivated since ancient times and grows wild in dry and sunny areas, with deep and fresh soil; also in rocky areas, from sea level to 1,700 meters. It prefers light and medium soils, requires well-drained soil, and can grow in nutritionally-poor soil.  Ficus carica requires wasp pollination of a particular species of wasp to produce seeds.

Aland Apples

On June 7, 2011, Åland Post issued the stamp series featured the fruit of Åland Island. The issue stamp comprised of two stamp with nominal value of  5 cent stamp as well as a 4 euro stamp. Both stamps show the Åland apple cultivar Strömma.The apples on the stamps were photographed in Hammarland.

More than 100 years ago, the Ålander Fridolf Sundberg began spreading his varieties of apples in Åland and the southern parts of Finland. On a farm in the village of Strömma in Hammarland, he discovered the Strömma cultivar. 

Argentina’s Native Orchids

Argentina Post (Correo Oficial de la Republica Argentina SA) has issued the flower stamp series depicted their native orchids on 24 September 2011. The issue stamps comprised of two stamps, featured native orchid  , Sacoila lanceolata and Zygopetalum maxillare Lodd. ( The Chin-Bone Zygopetalum).

 
 

Sacoila lanceolata

Sacoila lanceolata is orchid as member of family Orchidaceae belonging to the subfamily Orchidoideae. Plants are distributed from Florida, USA through Central America to South America. Plants are terrestrial and blooms with many flowers which have a short column. Plant blooms from spring to fall with many 2.3 cm wide flowers.

Marine Life of Norway– 2006

On September 15 , 2006, Norway Post has issued the marine life stamp series  following to the previous edition with the featured species, Sea urchins, and Cuckoo wrasse. The issue stamps are two single stamps.
 

Sea Urchin

Sea urchins  are small, spiny, globular animals which, their shell,  is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 centimetres  across, constitute the class Echinoidea of the echinoderm phylum. They inhabit all oceans.  Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, and red.

Sea urchins move slowly, feeding mostly on algae, but can also feed on sea cucumbers, and a wide range of invertebrates such as mussels, polychaetes, sponges, brittle stars and crinoids. Their predator are sea otters, wolf eels, triggerfish.

Marine Life in Norway - 2005

On September 30, 2005,  Norway Post  have continued to issue the marine life stamp series in two single stamps. The species of marine life that featured on stamps are Orcinus Ocra (Killer whale) and Urticina eques  (Sea anemone).

 

Orcinus Ocra

The killer whale (Orcinus orca) distinctively bears a black back, white chest and sides, and a white patch above and behind the eye. Calves are born with a yellowish or orange tint, which fades to white.

Males and females also have different patterns of back and white skin in their genital areas.Sexual dimorphism is also apparent in the skull; adult males have longer lower jaws than females, and have larger occipital crests.

Marine Life in Norway - 2004

Norway Post have issued the marine life stamp series on January 2, 2004, with the chosen species featured on stamps, Coronate medusa (Periphylla periphylla),  Catfish, Little cuttlefish. The issues stamp comprised of three stamps as part of regularly issues stamps concerning the marine life species.

 

Coronate Medusa (Periphylla periphylla)

Periphylla periphylla is found in every ocean of the world apart from the Arctic, at 1,000 to 7,000 metres deep. Periphylla periphylla has an unusual life cycle and can live for 30 years. Periphylla periphylla can detect light, which it avoids.