Bougainvillea “Mahara”
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Bougainvillea |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | June 5, 1985 |
| Denomination | 50 p |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1022 Stamp Number IN 1089 Yvert et Tellier IN 838 Stanley Gibbons IN 1160 |
| Themes | Flowers | Plants (Flora) |
Commemorative Stamp: Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea, originating from South America, stands out for its vibrant bracts and widespread cultivation in tropical and sub-tropical gardens. This commemorative stamp celebrates its beauty, historical significance, and the contributions of horticulturists and botanists in propagating its diverse cultivars.
Historical Background
- Origin and Naming: First collected by French botanist Commerson in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Bougainvillea was named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the French navigator, with whom Commerson voyaged around the world from 1766 to 1769.
- Global Spread: Introduced to Europe in the 19th century, Bougainvillea found its way to tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions. Its introduction to India dates back to 1860.
Botanical Classification
- Family and Species: Bougainvillea belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. Key species include B. spectabilis, B. glabra, B. peruviana, and the hybrid B. buttiana, which are significant in horticulture.
- Cultivars: India has been pivotal in developing numerous Bougainvillea cultivars through natural variation and deliberate breeding efforts. Notable cultivars such as Dr. R.R. Pal, Mary Palmer, Princess Margaret Rose, and others highlight the range of colors and forms achieved.
Cultural and Horticultural Significance
- Color Varieties: Bougainvillea’s bracts exhibit a dazzling array of colors, from deep magenta to white, including shades of purple, mauve, orange, red, scarlet, crimson, pink, and yellow. Some cultivars feature bi-colored bracts or color-changing effects.
- Versatility: Renowned for its adaptability and ease of cultivation, Bougainvillea thrives as pot plants, climbers, shrubs, hedges, arches, pergolas, and more. Its ability to cascade over slopes and mounds adds to its landscaping appeal.
Highlighted Cultivars on Stamps
- Mahara: Known for its carmine red or deep pink bracts, Mahara produces large, compact bunches and blooms profusely throughout the year.
- H.B. Singh: This cultivar features attractive mauve-colored bracts and provides gorgeous blooms for extended periods annually.
Conservation and Appreciation
- Stamp Tribute: Issued by the Department of Posts, India, these stamps honor the dedication and expertise of horticulturists and botanists involved in the cultivation and propagation of Bougainvillea cultivars.
- Global Appeal: Bougainvillea’s popularity extends globally, symbolizing not just botanical beauty but also the collaborative efforts in horticultural research and conservation.
This commemorative stamp series pays homage to Bougainvillea as an iconic flowering plant admired worldwide for its beauty and cultivated diversity. It recognizes the significant role of researchers and enthusiasts in enhancing its appeal and promoting its cultivation across diverse climates and landscapes.