2003.02.11   Australia Nature - Rainforest
The rare and beautiful blue orchid is the newest Australian definitive design in the Nature of Australia series which is introduced Feb. 11. The stamp introduces the rainforest habitat to the range and meets the need for denominations to suit the new rate for 125 to 250 gram large letters (previously $1.47). Additional Nature of Australia: Rainforest designs will be released later in the year. Like the $1.45 blue orchid stamp, they will feature subjects found in the Daintree region of the Wet Tropics. 

Blue Orchid (Dendrobium nindii)

This epiphytic orchid with large blue-purple flowers which can grow up to 6 cm in diameter are among the most attractive of Australian orchid blooms. 

The blue orchid prefers full sunlight, and can be found high in rainforest trees of the hot, humid lowlands in the narrow coastal strip between Innisfail and Cooktown. The loss of its preferred costal habitat means this beautiful orchid is also one of Australia? rarest epiphytic species. Epiphytes grow on a host plant, using the host for support, not for nutrients. 
 

Issue date 11 February 2003
Denomination $1.45
Designer Wayne Rankin, Melbourne
Stamp size 30 x 25 mm
Printer SNP Sprint
Paper De La Rue
Perforations 14 x 14.4 mm
Printing process Lithography
Sheet Layout Modules of 50, single pane

 
Original information and image from Australia Post