Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Philippine Stamp: Yellow Bell (Allamanda)


Allamanda, also known as Yellow Bell, Golden Trumpet or Buttercup Flower, is a genus of tropical shrubs or vines belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

The genus Allamanda is native to South and Central America. Their year-round production of large, bright flowers have made the Allamanda popular ornamentals.

A woody, evergreen shrub with vigorous growth, Allamanda may reach a free-standing height of 2 metres or more. The leathery leaves are lancelike, pointed, and may either be opposite or in whorls of three or four. The yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers are 5-7.5 centimetres in diameter; cultivated forms tend towards larger blooms which may also be white, purple, pink or orange in colour. Their scent may be described as delicate and fruity.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Philippine Stamp: Ilang-ilang (Cananga)


Cananga odorata, commonly called Ylang-ylang, cananga tree, Ilang-ilang, fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant or perfume tree, is a tree valued for its perfume. The essential oil derived from the flowers is used in aromatherapy. Cananga odorata is a fast-growing tree of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae.

In the Philippines, its flowers, together with the flowers of the sampaguita, are strung into a necklace (lei) and worn by women and used to adorn religious images.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Philippines Stamp: Adelfa (Nerium)



Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, toxic in all its parts. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is most commonly known as oleander, from its superficial resemblance to the unrelated olive (Olea), but has many other names. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though southwest Asia has been suggested. The ancient city of Volubilis in Morocco took its name from the old Latin name for the flower. Oleander is one of the most poisonous of commonly grown garden plants.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Philippine Stamp: Rosal (Gardenia)


Gardenia is a genus of 142 species of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania.

The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791), a Scottish-born American naturalist.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Philippine Stamp: Kalachuchi (Plumeria)


Plumeria (common name Frangipani) is a genus of flowering plants of the family that includes Dogbane: the Apocynaceae. It contains 7-8 species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil but have been spread throughout the world's tropics.

In the Philippines and Indonesia, Plumeria, which is known Cebuano and Tagalog as calachuchi, is often associated with ghosts and graveyard. Plumerias are often planted on cemetery grounds in both countries.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Philippine Stamp: Visayan Spotted Deer


The Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredisyn. Cervus alfredi), also known as the Philippine Spotted Deer, is a nocturnal and endangered species of deer located primarily in the rainforests of the Visayan islands of Panay and Negros though it once roamed other islands such as Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Masbate, and Samar. It is one of three endemic deer species in the Philippines, although it was not recognized as a separate species until 1983.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Singapore Stamp: Honey Bee (Apis javana)


Apis cerana, or the Asiatic honey bee (or the Eastern honey bee), is a species of honey bee found in southern and southeastern Asia, such as China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea.

Eight subspecies of A. cerana, including Apis cerana javana, are currently recognized.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Singapore Stamp: Ceriagrion cerinorubellum


Ceriagrion cerinorubellum is a species of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It's commonly known as the bi-coloured damsel. They can be found in many parks particularly around ponds, drains, canal, open streams, etc. Bi-coloured damsels rest on dry twigs and vegetation over water. They're relatively big damselflies in size. They attack and feed on other species of smaller damselflies. Its bluish green head and orange base and the tip of the abdomen is quite distinctive and cannot be mistaken for other species. The female has a similar appearance but has slightly a little darker marking.

This species can be found in Asia: Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Singapore Stamp: Tortoise-shelled Ladybird


The tortoise-shelled ladybird (Harmonia testudinaria, syn. Heteroneda reticulatais an average sized yellow ladybird with stripes along and across the body in a net pattern. It has two black stripes running from the eyes to the wing covers. The larvae are brownish with some creamy markings. The pupa is an orange yellow colour.

It is common in north Queensland and also found in New Guinea and Indonesia.

Thursday, November 26, 2009