Succulent Addition 21c
South Africa, Humansdorp · 1990-04-02
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
info card
This cover was postmarked on 2 April 1990 in Humansdorp and marked an additional stamp value added to South Africa's fifth definitive series, illustrated by Hein Botha. Its 21c stamp featured Gasteria armstrongii, commonly known as cow tongue, a small succulent found only in a narrow strip of rocky ground near Jeffreys Bay and the lower Gamtoos Valley. The plant spends most of the year hidden away in grassland or fynbos, only giving itself away each December and January when its bright orange-red flowers burst into bloom.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows a close up photograph of the Gasteria armstrongii plant growing wild among rocks, twigs and dry grass, its thick, mottled leaves blending closely with the stony ground around it. 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 21c Gasteria armstrongii Die volksnaam beestong beskryf hierdie lid van die leliefamilie goed. Dit kom in 'n beperkte gebied by Jeffreysbaai en in die laer Gamtoosvallei op klipperige grond voor. Die plantjies is normaalweg versteek in grasveld of fynbos maar gedurende Desember en Januarie verraai die helder oranje-rooi blomme hulle teenwoordigheid. Die spesie word maklik van saad of steggies gekweek. ADDITIONAL STAMP VALUE, FIFTH DEFINITIVE SERIES 21c Gasteria armstrongii The vernacular name cow tongue gives a fine description of this member of the lily family. It occurs in rocky soil in a restricted area near Jeffreys Bay and in the lower Gamtoos Valley. Normally the plants are well hidden in grassland or fynbos (scrub), but during December and January the bright orange-red flowers betray their presence. The species is grown easily from seed or cuttings.
Theme: Flora
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R0.21 (ZAR)
SG reference: 660a
SAPO serial number: 5.8.2.
Estimated value: ~US$0.06
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.
