Succulent Addition R5
South Africa, Steinkopf · 1990-03-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
info card
This cover was postmarked on 1 March 1990 in Steinkopf and marked another additional stamp value added to South Africa's fifth definitive series, illustrated by Hein Botha. Its R5 stamp featured Anacampseros albissima, a small succulent from the Portulaca family found widely across the arid western regions of the country. Growing no more than 5 cm across, the plant relies on a surprisingly large fleshy root system to store water and survive the harsh, dry conditions of its native habitat.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a close up photograph of the Anacampseros albissima plant growing among pale, weathered rocks, its clustered grey green stems set within a circular vignette bordered in brown. Beneath the photograph, the bilingual text "Bykomende seëlwaarde tot die vyfde vaste reeks / Additional stamp value to the fifth definitive series" appears in bold black lettering.
Information Card
BYKOMENDE SEËLWAARDE, VYFDE VASTE REEKS R5-seël Anacampseros albissima Dié lid van die Portulaca-familie kom wyd versprei in die droë westelike streke van Suid-Afrika voor. Die plantjies is hoogstens 5 cm in deursnee en dra 'n interessante kelkvormige blommetjie aan die punte van die skubbige takkies. Die groot, vlesige wortelstelsel stel die plant in staat om in droë omstandighede te oorleef. ADDITIONAL STAMP VALUE, FIFTH DEFINITIVE SERIES R5 stamp Anacampseros albissima This member of the Portulaca family is widespread in the arid western parts of South Africa. The small plants are at most 5 cm in diameter and bear interesting single cup-shaped flowers at the tips of the scaly branches. The large fleshy root system enables the plant to survive in extremely dry conditions.
Theme: Flora
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R5 (ZAR)
SG reference: 668a
SAPO serial number: 5.8.1.
Estimated value: ~US$1.86
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 211 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.
