2019 “Cactus Flowers” Forever Stamps 100pcs

On February 15, 2019, the USPS released the Cactus Flowers Forever stamps in Mesa, Arizona, during the AmeriStamp Expo/ARIPEX stamp show. This issuance celebrates the unexpected beauty of cactus flowers, showcasing ten different species in bloom. Each stamp features a photograph of a cactus flower, highlighting the vibrant colors and intricate forms that contrast with the plants’ rugged exteriors. The stamps were designed by art director Ethel Kessler using existing photographs taken by John P. Schaefer, a renowned photographer and former president of the University of Arizona. ​

Cactus flowers generally occur singly, although many separate blossoms might appear on a plant at the same time. Flowering occurs at different times of the year and even different times of the day or night depending on the species. Most cactus flowers are large and flamboyant, with colors of white, red, pink, orange, or yellow. Some flowers are also richly scented, attracting pollinators such as bats, bees, and birds.

Designs: Photographs of the flowers of the following ten cacti species:

1. Opuntia engelmannii (Engelmann’s prickly pear)

2. Rebutia minuscula (Fire crown)

3. Echinocereus dasyacanthus (Texas rainbow)

4. Echinocereus poselgeri (Dahlia cactus)

5. Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet hedgehog)

6. Pelecyphora aselliformis (Hatchet cactus)

7. Parodia microsperma (Golden Tom Thumb)

8. Echinocactus horizonthalonius (Eagle’s claw)

9. Thelocactus heterochromus (Glory of Texas)

10. Parodia scopa (Silver ball)