08-08-2016: Cypripedium Himalaicum Rolfe Orchids A commemorative postage stamp

Orchids are a large group of flowering plants that are being cultivated and appreciated the world over for their stunningly beautiful flowers of varying hues, shapes and sizes. Orchidaceae is probably the largest family of flowering plants in the world with around 28349 accepted names and are cosmopolitan in in distribution barring the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ornamental value of orchid flowers was first recognized 2000 years ago by the ancient Chinese during the period of Confucius(551-479 B.C.). The western world came to know about the decorative value of orchids only during the 19th century. Cypripedium Himalaicum is a very rare species, known only from a few scattered subpopulations(now severaly fragmented), mostly in very small colonies in alpine and sub-alpine Himalaya. The species is subjected to various threats like overgrazing, ruthless collection, habitat loss due to trampling, deforestation etc. It is also sensitive to climate change, resulting in continuing decline of population. The Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of 6 commemorative postage stamps on Orchids.