Lannea edulis
Bophuthatswana, Pudimoe · 1980-06-04
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
Click any photo to see it enlarged.
front
This cover is postmarked on 4 June 1980 in Pudimoe, with a special postmark depicting a fruiting branch. It carries the Bophuthatswana edible wild fruits set, SAPO [number to confirm], four stamps illustrated by Dick Findlay depicting Landolphia capensis, Vangueria infausta, Bequaertiodendron magalismontanum and Sclerocarya caffra. The cachet's featured species, Lannea edulis, is a low, sub-shrub form of tree rather than a tall species, producing its small flowers and berries close to the ground from an underground rootstock, with the fruit turning a deep scarlet-purple when ripe. It's found across much of East and Southern Africa, making it a fitting addition to this set of indigenous edible fruiting plants even though it isn't one of the four species shown on the stamps themselves.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed botanical illustration of Lannea edulis, showing a leafy branch with glossy dark green leaves and a dense cluster of round, deep red berries hanging together, some with a soft sheen suggesting ripeness. The berries are rendered with careful shading to capture their rounded form, set against a soft yellow-gold wash in the background that gives the whole illustration warmth. Below, the Latin name "Lannea edulis" appears in elegant script.
Information Card
Info card present but envelope gum sealed shut
Theme: Flora
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.5 (ZAR)
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 256 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
