Forever Stamps 2019 Cactus Flowers – Nature Series, First-Class Postage

First Day of Issue:  February 15, 2019
First Day City:  Mesa, Arizona
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Double-sided booklet of 20

Stamp Purpose: The stamp was issued to vividly showcase the myriad colors, shapes, and sizes of flowers produced by different cactus species.

Design: Featuring an existing photograph by John P. Schaefer, the stamp captivatingly portrays the scarlet hedgehog cactus in bloom.

First Day City: Notably, the First Day of Issue Ceremony unfolded in Mesa, Arizona, at the AmeriStamp Expo/ARIPEX stamp show—a fitting location given Arizona’s abundance of cactus species.

Cactus Flowers Set: Comprising 10 distinct designs, each displaying existing photographs by John P. Schaefer, the set eloquently captures the captivating beauty of various cacti species in bloom. These species include Opuntia engelmannii, Rebutia minuscula, Echinocereus dasyacanthus, and more.

History the stamp represents: Cacti, seemingly simple plants, boast a wide variety of characteristics distinguishing each species. Factors such as spine type, growth pattern, and others determine the genus and species, emphasizing the stamp’s representation of cacti diversity. Interestingly, sometimes DNA testing becomes the sole method to differentiate two species.

Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus: This subspecies, among four with similar traits, features a ribbed surface with 8 to 11 sections and 5 to 20 spines per areole. Distinguished by its bright red-orange flower and a stem measuring one to two inches thick, it stands out amidst the variations in spines, stem thickness, flower color, and skin tone found in other subspecies.

Collectors and Cactus Cultivation: Growing cacti demands a practiced eye to differentiate between species, making it an engaging pursuit for collectors. Exploring each species not only offers enjoyment but also showcases the skill required to cultivate the renowned, beautiful flowers for which cacti are celebrated.