Garden Flowers Stamp

Garden Flowers

Malaysia is a paradise of fascinating sights and attractions, well-known for its rich and enormous variety of flora which range from many thousands of species from all over Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It is estimated that over 15,000 flowering plant species are found in Malaysia. The flowering plants include some 2,000 type of trees, including 200 different palms and 3,000 species of orchids. In addition to that, the world's largest flower, 'the giant rafflesia' (also known as a corpse lily), as well as the largest pitcher plant, 'the Nepenthes rajah', which can hold up to 2 liters of water, also grow here. The plants come in a tremendous diversity in plant species varying in color, shape, texture and density of leaves.

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbium nelumbo)

Sacred Lotus is an aquatic perennial, originally from Indonesian and India. The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbium nelumbo) has great significance in Eastern religion. This flower is especially sacred to Buddhist to whom it represents the perpetual cycles or reincarnation. It grows up to a height of 19 feet depending on the depth of a swamp or creek it grows in. The roots of the sacred lotus are firmly planted in the mud beneath the water surface. It has a long stem to which the leaves and flowers are attached. The big circular leaves float on the surface and the flowers grow above it. The pink or white sacred lotus blooms early in the morning and the petals will wilt the later hours of daylight. The fruit is a conical shaped pod with the seeds arranged in the holes. When the seeds are ripe, they are released when the pod bends down towards the water. The flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are edible, while the big mature leaves, 2 feet in diameter, are used to wrap steamed food.

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan and Korea. This shrub can be naturalized in compatible climates. It is a deciduous shrub, growing 1-3 meters tall. The leaves grow opposite each other, in simple ovoid-acute size, 7-20 cm long, with a coarsely toothed margin. Its flowers are pink, white, or blue, depending on soul pH. In acidic soil, the flowers will be blue, whereas in alkaline soil, the flowers will be pink. In neutral soil flowers will be purple. Hydrangea macrophylla has been cultivated for many years as an ornamental plant in Japan, and in the last 150 years, it is also extensively bred in other areas of the world with a temperate climate.

In warm climates, Hydrangea macrophhylla is good for adding a splash of spring time color to shady areas and woodland gardens. Minimal pruning is recommended for most prolific flowering. Flowers are easily air dried and are long lasting.

Hippeastrum reticulatum

Hippeastrum reticulatum is a bulb-bearing herb from southern Brazil. This plant has a fleshy and straight stalk with three or more flowers. Grown from bulbs, the flowers are trumpet shaped, and pink in color with white veins. The flower naturally reaches a diameter of about 3 inches. Typical broad strap-shaped leaves are dark green with clear white stripe down the center. The gorgeous flowers are pink with darker reticulations. It does not have a dormant period. This selection is a slow grower and is not as large as other clones. This flower is normally grown to be used in flower arrangements and as potted plants.

Bougainvillea

This woody climbers were introduced from South America. The long vine are thorny and the alternate ovate elliptical leaves are hairy. The small flowers are surrounded by large papery bracts. An evergreen shrubbery vine, Bougainvillea is popular for its long-lasting, colorful flower bracts which appear periodically throughout the year. Most common colors of the bracts are magenta, purple, white, orange and crimson, though 'rainbow' bougainvilleas with flowers of two colors on the same plant are common today. Bougainvillea can grow on its own as a sprawling shrub, or allowed to grow naturally where it will quickly cover fences or climb onto trees.

Ipomoea indica

Ipomoea indica is a tender perennial with heart-shaped leaves and with flowers produced daily from a dense clustered inflorescence. It grows up to 7 cm long, tubular and arranged in clusters of 3 to 12 flowers. Ipomoea indica is a native of Hawaii and the New World tropics, but it has become an invasive species in Australia. It is also present in Asia, although they grow in subtropical and temperate regions.

Morning glory is a common name for a number of species of flowering plants in the family of Vonvolvulaceae. The Morning Glory flowers often show marks where the corolla was neatly folded or rolled up in the bud. The flowers will start to fade 2 hours before the petals start to curl in. Morning glory is one of the best flowers to decorate fences and walls. Today, Ipomoea indica is found throughout the tropics, scrambling over fences and over woody plants, often to their detriment. However, it is delight when in bloom.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the state flower of Hawaii, and also the national flower of Malaysia. Also known as the Chinese hibiscus, it is probably the most popular and widely planted shrub of the tropics. It is believed to be native to China and came to the world bay via South Pacific and Hawaii. This plant creates a bold effect with its medium textured, glossy and dark green leaves and vibrantly colored, four to eight-inch-wide, showy flowers, produced throughout the year. Cultivars are available with the combination of single or double flowers in shades of white, pink. red, yellow, peach, or orange, or combination of all these. Hibiscus flowers are basically characterized as single or double forms of variations in the number and arrangement of petals.

Flowers are produced continuously in great abundance, making up for the fact that each flower will last only for one or two days with the blossoms opening early in the morning and wilting by late afternoon. Most hibiscuses are odorless, but some of the basic varieties have a light scent. The Hibiscus, Malaysia's nation flower is the pride of the country which signifies the country's strength, unity and independence.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 31-Dec-2007

Denomination : 5 Sen; 10 Sen; 20 Sen; 30 Sen, 40 Sen, 50 Sen (for all 14 States)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Stamp Size : 27mm x 32mm

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithigraphy

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Prof. Dato' Raja Zahabuddin Raja Yaacob

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

The FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix 2007 Stamp

The FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix 2007

First conceptualized in 1998 to bring the very first top international equestrian event to Asia, the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix made its debut as an annual event in 2003 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The only five-star international show jumping event in the Asia-Pacific region, the KL Grand Prix has carved an important milestone in the history of world equestrian sports. 5 Star is the highest possible rating for an equestrian event.

The KL Grand Prix brings together each year the world's top-ranked riders including Olympic gold medalists, World Cup Champions and World Champions and their prized horses to Kuala Lumpur where they vie for the coveted title and one of the world's richest purses. The 2007 event will see the introduction of the FEI Nations Cup, the world's oldest and most prestigious team event where teams from Asian countries will be fighting tooth and nail for honor for their countries. The Pony Club Mounted Games Challenge is also making its first appearance at the KL Grand Prix. Visitors will enjoy watching the skills, dexterity and bravado of the Pony Clubbers scoring points for their teams.

Spectacular horse acts, riveting performances, Malaysia's top artistes and carnival fun and games are organized each year for visitors to enjoy.

Horse Breeds

There are perhaps as many as 160 breeds and types of horses throughout the world today, each with different abilities, characteristics and temperament. The horses depicted in the three stamps here are Warmbloods, which have gained enormous popularity in the past years as sport horses. More and more of these horses are used in competition especially in Grand Prix and Olympic level competitions. There are several types of Warmbloods and each offer its own bit of edge in competition. Visitors to the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix can expect to see several Warmbloods in thrilling action jumping over obstacles of up to 1.6 meters.

Hanoverian

The Hanoverian is probably the most successful and one of the oldest of the Warmbloods and today it is one of the most prominent riding horses in the world. It has a worldwide reputation as a show jumper. Many Hanoverians have won gold medals at competitions including the Olympic Games. This breed was founded in 1735 in Celle Stud in Germany by King George II of England who wanted a coach horse that could also be used for agriculture. Through the years with the changes of the function of the Hanoverian, the breed has been further refined with Thoroughbred infusion to make it lighter and more agile. Together with its wonderful temperament and powerful body, the Hanoverian has an added edge in competition.

The Hanoverian's height varies from 15.3 - 17.2 hands (horses are measured in hands which is approximately 4 inches). This breed has no predominant color and solid colors like chestnut, bay, brown, black and grey are common.

Oldenburger

Another breed originating from Germany, the Oldenburg is the heaviest of the German Warmbloods and the most powerfully built of all Warmbloods. Big, powerful and impressive, the Oldenburg is most popular in show jumping and dressage as it is reliable in temperament and has regular paces.

Established in the 1600s initially as a carriage horse, the breed was later developed into an all-purpose riding horse and now it is bred specifically as a sport horse. However this breed still retains its ability as a powerful harness horse. The Oldenburg is known for its athletic ability, calm temperament and strength.

Standing between 16.1 and 17.2 hands in height, the Oldenburg is mostly found in brown, black and bay.

Dutch Warmblood

The Dutch Warmblood is the product of Holland's two indigenous breeds - the Gelderlander and the heavier Groningen. The breed is a proven performer in the show jumping ring and the dressage arena. A notable show jumper is the millionaire horse Milton known for its famous leap in the air that has brought crowds to a standing ovation. Milton and his illustrious partner, British Olympian John Whitaker have shared many victories in international events. John Whitaker is one of the riders competing at the 2007 FEI 5 Star Grand Prix from 23-25 November.

A fairly modern breed, the Dutch Warmblood was developed in the 1960s to combine the best characteristics of both the native breeds and was further refined with the introduction of Thoroughbred blood. This resulted in an athletic horse with much improved scope and stamina. Reliable and intelligent, the Dutch Warmblood makes a good competition horse. As with all Warmbloods, the Dutch Warmblood continues to evolve and the breeding goes through a very strict selection process to ensure good conformation, action and temperament.




Technical Details

Date of Issue : 13-Dec-2007

Denomination : 30 sen; 50 Sen (2 Designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd Stamp

Designer : La Scheers Co. Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00