Succulent Addition Standard Mail
South Africa, Steynsburg · 1993-04-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
info card
This cover was postmarked on 1 April 1993 at Steynsburg and catalogued as SAPO 5.22.1. Its cachet featured Stapelia grandiflora, known in Afrikaans as haasoor or hare ear, and formed an additional stamp value added to the fifth definitive series. The plant grows widely across the Free State and Cape regions and its flowers can range in colour from dark purple to a pale greenish cream, making it a popular subject for succulent collectors. Info card in English & Afrikaans.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet features a close up photograph of the Stapelia grandiflora flower itself, its dark maroon star shaped bloom covered in fine hairs and set against a backdrop of green cactus like stems. Beneath the photograph, the bilingual text "Bykomende seëlwaarde tot die 5de vaste reeks / RSA Gestandaardiseerde pos / RSA Standardised mail / Additional stamp value to the 5th definitive series" appears in bold rust coloured calligraphic script.
Information Card
ADDITIONAL STAMP VALUE TO THE FIFTH DEFINITIVE SERIES: SUCCULENTS Stapelia grandiflora The Afrikaans vernacular name for this member of the Stapelia family is haasoor (hare ear), which probably refers to the erect, hairy stalk. The plant is widely distributed in the Orange Free State and the Cape Province and varies greatly in appearance. The colour of the flowers ranges from dark purple and shades of red-brown to yellow-brown and a pale greenish-cream. The plantis easily grown from seed or cuttings.
Theme: Flora
Condition: AverageNoticeable wear or light damage, such as creases, minor soiling, small tears, or light discolouration, but still collectable.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SG reference: 822-825
SAPO serial number: 5.22.1
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 209 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.
