Kadamb

 I am participating in the April AtoZ Blogging challenge and my theme is Plants featured on Indian Stamps. This is my eight attempt at the AtoZ and the focus is on plants. 

My theme is inspired by an online talk by Daniel L Nikrent - of Cornell University, USA held by Maharashtra Vriksha Samvardhini about Parasitic Flowering Plants featured on Stamps. 

I am not a stamp collector nor a fan of stamps. Hence almost all my posts are purely based on research on the internet. I have tried to cross check the info before posting here. Please do share correct info and links to the same in case of discrepancy. 

India Post has a very strong network reaching deep deep into the interiors of the country and I depended on it for news from home when we were posted in far away places.  In this age of smartphones, Internet, how many of us really write letters - snail mail as they are now called? Despite this , I find that new stamps are being issued and we have stamps on diverse topics including Armed Forces, Films, Personalities, Wildlife, Handlooms, Handicrafts and so on.. It is amazing!

Kadamb or Neolamarkia cadamba of the Rubiaceae family is a handsome native tree that is said to be Krishna's favourite. It is often seen in gardens or even planted by the roadsides in Pune. Its branches typically grow in tiers which helps to identify the tree easily. The flowers are unique and resemble furry orange balls. Here is a Kadamb image from my collection.

India Post has issued a commemorative stamp in 1977 of denomination 1INR.

Post of India, GODL-India <https://data.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notification_OGDL.pdf>, via Wikimedia Commons

Kurinji or Strobilanthes kunthianus of the Acanthaceae family is said to be the reason for the blue colour of the Neelgiri hills in south India. It blooms once in 12 years making its flowering season a reason to travel and celebrate! A stamp of this glorious plant is but natural.

India Post released it in 2006 with a denomination of 15INR.

Post of India, GODL-India <https://data.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette_Notification_OGDL.pdf>, via Wikimedia Commons

The India Postage Stamps website  has a complete catalogue of stamps. Please click the link to see many many wonderful stamps.

Colnect is a comprehensive portal for Stamp collectors. It gives detailed information about every listed stamp.  Click here for detailed info about Stamps - what is a stamp, types, formats, water marks, perforations and much more.  

We meet tomorrow for yet another lovely plant and stamp. You can catch up with my previous posts here. 

Till then, Take Care and Stay Happy!