10th World orchid Conference

South Africa, Durban · 1981-09-11

Official

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Cachet: The cachet shows a detailed botanical illustration of a Disperis fanniniae orchid, drawn in soft watercolour with pale white and cream flowers hanging from a slender stem lined with green leaves. The style matches the fine line and wash technique used across the four stamps, all painted by Jeanette Stead, so the cachet reads as a natural extension of the stamp artwork rather than a separate design. The illustration takes up most of the left side of the cover, giving the botanical subject plenty of room to breathe.

Additional information

This cover is postmarked on 11 September 1981 in Durban, SAPO reference PT 3.31. It marks the opening of the Tenth World Orchid Conference, which drew an expected 1 500 to 2 000 orchid growers from 40 countries. The four stamps, all painted by Jeanette Stead, feature South African orchid species including the red Disa uniflora, once described in a 19th century orchid book as the best terrestrial orchid in the world. Of the roughly 25 000 orchid species known worldwide, about 482 are indigenous to South Africa.

Theme: Flora

Condition: Very FineVery attractive. Clean and crisp, no discolouration, only the slightest signs of handling.

Addressed: No

Signed: No

Stamp denomination: R0.65 (ZAR)

SAPO serial number: 3.31

Estimated value: ~US$0.1

This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.