299 Taiwan'sFlower Postage Stamps - Cactus(Taiwan)

The cactus family is a group of unusual looking plants with distinctive habits and gorgeous blossoms. Almost all of the family are native to the Americas. After being cultivated here in Taiwan for many years, a few species now grow naturally on beaches and other wild places. To acquaint ROC citizens with cacti, this Post is issuing a set of three stamps featuring Hylocereus undatus, Thelocactus bicolor, and Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri. The designs follow:1. Hylocereus undatus (NT$5.00): Commonly known as red pitaya or night blooming cereus, the stems of Hylocereus undatus are jointed, each with three prominent angled ribs. They can develop aerial roots on one side to clamber up walls, tree trunks, cliff surfaces or dykes. 2. Thelocactus bicolor (NT$5.00): It has a globular shaped stem with neat rows of beautiful spines (modified leaves). Its colorful flowers are very showy and are larger than the globose stem itself. This stunningly beautiful cactus is often cultivated as an ornamental. 3. Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (NT$12.00): Aptly named “joint-leaf cactus” in Chinese, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri features flat, segmented leaf-like stems. Its stem segments have smooth undulations instead of sharp teeth along the margins. Its flowers are funnel-shaped with radial symmetry.