This is the second post of a three-part series featuring the ‘Know 10 Trees’ maximum cards.

Also featured on one of the three maximum cards released in 2011 was the Yellow Flame, which is featured in this post. These maximum cards were given to SODA members who accumulated a certain number of points in a year.

The Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum) is a medium-sized deciduous tree originating from most parts of China, Southeast Asia and the tropical regions of Australia. The tree can reach a height of around 15 to 25 metres, making it an attractive and common wayside tree. It has bright yellow flowers which grow in bunches of up to 40 centimetres in length. During the flowering season (which can last for several weeks), the whole crown of the tree is covered in a distinctive shade of yellow. The flowers develop into woody, purple-brown fruit pods which usually contains up to five seeds.

Next week, we will be featuring the Trumpet Tree. Check back soon!

Graphics by Singapore Post
Text adapted from Singapore Post

This is the first of a three-part series featuring the ‘Know 10 Trees’ maximum cards.

Singapore Post issued the ‘Know 10 Trees’ stamps on 26 May 2010, featuring ten trees which are found locally. The stamps were designed by Mr Wong Wui Kong, who also illustrated the oriental small-clawed otter stamp issue and the recent joint issue depicting the Singapore River, just to name a few.

Earlier this year, SingPost produced a set of three maximum cards for this issue. They featured the Rain Tree (below), the Yellow Flame and the Trumpet Tree. These maxicards were postmarked 31 March 2011.

The Rain Tree (Samanea saman) was brought into Singapore back in 1876 and is native to the temperate and tropical regions of South America. Its branches spread out widely, giving the tree an umbrella-shaped crown which spans 30 metres. Furthermore, the tree can reach a height of 25 metres, making it an excellent shade tree. Its flowers are fragrant and showy, with pink and white stamens. On a rainy day, the leaves of the tree would fold up, thus it is commonly known as the Rain Tree. It is also known as the Pukul Lima (which translates to 5 o’clock in Malay), as the leaves would fold up in the evenings.

Look out for the upcoming post on the Yellow Flame!

Graphics by Singapore Post
Text adapted from Singapore Post

On 17 October 2011, a joint stamp issue was launched to commemorate 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Egypt. The commemorative covers have just arrived yesterday after its shipment was delayed to Monday.

The stamps from Egypt were printed as a two se-tenant strips of three. The first set of 30 pt, LE 2 and LE 25 stamps featured the Singapore River just like Singapore’s $1.10 stamp, while the other set featured The Nile River.

The se-tenant strips from Egypt seem to be slightly shorter than the stamps from Singapore. Also, there are slight differences in colour between the stamps, with more vivid blues in the Singapore version and a slightly more realistic hue in Egypt’s stamps. The cancellation were somewhat similar, featuring the Great Pyramid of Egypt and the Singapore skyline.

On 17 October 2011, Singapore Post launched a joint stamp issue to commemorate 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Egypt. The $1.10 stamp designed by Wong Wui Kong features a panoramic illustration of the Singapore River, while the $2 stamp designed by Amany Ahmed and Rasha El Zonkoly features The Nile River.

At 162 mm by 30 mm, this is likely to be the longest individual stamp issued by Singapore Post.

The Singapore River has great historical importance. In 1819, it was made the first trading port by Sir Stamford Raffles, and served as the main lifeline of Singapore then. Today, the Singapore River continues to play an important role as part of the Marina reservoir and a major tourist destination.

The Nile River is the longest river in the world, and has been the lifeline of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Most of its inhabitants and cultural and historical sites are situated along the river banks. Presently a major tourist attraction of Egypt, The Nile River is truly the heart of both ancient and modern Egypt.

This issue has a wide range of philatelic products to look out for. The miniature sheet featuring both the S$1.10 and S$2 stamps is sold for $3.30. Also, the set-of-two commemorative covers ($6.70) featuring both stamps from Singapore and Egypt is definitely be limited in numbers, and is only be available today at all Singapore Post branches.

Update: The set-of-two commemorative covers will only be available in the next few days as the stamps have arrived from Egypt on Monday.

Text adapted from Singapore Post
Graphics by Singapore Post