Background
Orchids have been depicted on stamps from virtually every known region of the world. Our current estimate is 233 stamps issuing authorities have depicted orchids on their issues
The American Topical Association (ATA) is a US-based philatelic society and the largest organization devoted to topical stamp collecting. It was established in 1949, and currently serves members in over 60 countries. Topical Stamp collecting is devoted to collecting stamps on a particular topic – this includes orchids. The ATA publishes lists of stamps that fall into various categories such as Trains, Animals etc. along with how many stamps are in each category. Inspecting the ATA listing for Plants it is quickly apparent that orchids hold a special place in minds of humans with approximately a quarter of all plant stamps issued depicting an orchid. The current number of orchid stamps issues is 4976 and is growing annually. Roses and Lillies are distant runner ups.
Also, the variety of orchids depicted is immense with over 2000 species or hybrids being represented.
The Project
The OSPF thought it would be a fun project to try and collect as many orchid stamps as we can and incorporate them into our displays. The concept being to link the stamps to an actual living orchid and provide some information about its distribution, any ethnobotanical uses of the plants, its current status on the world’s endangered species listings and any other unique aspects of the plant.
Current Status
We currently have approximately 130 stamps so we have a long way to go. But we have been fortunate that our Amsellia africana flowered in time for our local orchid show and we were able to exhibit two stamps depicting that orchid as part of our display.
Supporting the Project
Any support you can give to the project either by sending any orchid stamps you come across or providing a donation for us to purchase additional stamps would be gratefully received.
Here are a few of the stamp donations we have already received
