.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
September 4th 2001 - 'Okika o Hawai'i (Hawaiian Orchids Part I in a series).
(See also Hawaiian Orchids Part II)
Three stamps were issued on September 4th 2001 showing different 'Okika o Hawai'i (Hawaiian Orchids). Surprisingly, these are the only three orchids that are native to Hawai'i. All other orchids currently found in Hawai'i were imported from elsewhere in the world - mostly in the last seventy-five years. The stamps are from miniature water colors painted by local artist Susan Cardenas*. All drawings are © Hawai'i Post.
(The description of each stamp starts with its Hawaiian name and is followed by its Botanical name.)
The $2 stamp (above left) pays for extra charges, such as additional weight.
Aapu pa'i niu a hina (Liparis hawaiensis). This orchid is a terrestrial and is found on all the major Hawaiian islands, except Lana'i. It reaches a height of up to 16 inches and has from 3 to 15 flowers. It is usually found in the high rain forests under a tree canopy from 2,000 and 5,000 feet. It blooms throughout the year, but mostly from May through November.
The $5 stamp (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate.
Ke kino o kanaloa (Anoectochilus sandvicensis). This orchid is found on all the major Hawaiian islands (except perhaps Lana'i) and is the most common of the three orchids. It is found in the high rain forests usually between 1,000 and 5,000 feet. It is a rhizome and grows up to 20 inches long and has from 4 to 30 flowers. It blooms throughout the year, but mostly from August through December.
The $8 stamp (above right) prepays the Same Day rate.
Puahala a kane (Platanthera holochila). This orchid is extremely rare and is on the list of "Endangered Species". It has only been sighted (very infrequently) on the islands of Maui, Kau'i and Moloka'i. It has not been seen on the island of O'ahu in 60 years and has never been recorded on the Big Island. It is found in wet and windy bogs usually between 2,000 and 5,000 feet. It is a terrestrial and grows very erectly up to 20 inches tall and has from 5 to 60 densely clustered flowers. It blooms mostly from May through November. Lately it has not been seen and some botanists speculate that it may already be extinct.
A Booklet consisting of 3 panes containing 2 x $2, 2 x $5 and 2 x $8 stamps was also issued. Each pane consists of 2 stamps and has a white margin all around. "© 2001 Hawai'i Post" is printed vertically on the lower right side margin & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. is printed on the bottom margin of each pane.
The booklet cover is of orchid-colored card stock and is stapled twice at the left side.
* Susan Cardenas specializes in painting Hawaiian flowers and plants and has a gallery "Art at the Atrium" in Kaneohe. If you plan to visit the windward side of O'ahu, please drop by and say Aloha to Susan and view her artwork. Call first for hours.
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ON ALL ORDERS
Technical details of the stamps:
Colors: $2, $5 and $8 stamps - Multicolored
Size: 32mm x 48mm.
Stamps sheet size: 6 across, 5 down.
Perforation: 12.
Stamps design: Susan Cardenas.
Layout & Pre-press: Enelani.
Printer: Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Printing Method: 4-color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) printing process.
Sheet margin markings: HAWAI'I POST (top middle), "Traffic Light" showing 4 colors used in printing (lower left side), © 2001 Hawai'i Post (lower right side) & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (bottom middle)
Paper: GPA coated white stock with water-activated gum on the back.
(See also Hawaiian Orchids Part II)
Return to list of stamp issues
For details on upcoming stamp issues click here