The melliferous flora represents the total of melliferous plants in the flying range of the bees, the apiculture having the objective of studying the bees and achieving an as large and diversified as possible production of honey, the symbiotic relationship between the activity of the bees and the reproduction of the plants being well-known.
The flora in Romania includes species of melliferous plants that are distinguished by a high honey production, but also by their particularly pleasant appearance, within this postage stamps issue being illustrated the most appreciated melliferous flowers, which belong to the silver linden tree, the acacia, the sunflower, the canola and the apple tree.
The Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is a deciduous tree, whose flowers are represented on the stamp with the face value of Lei 1.90.The Silver linden tree is part of theTiliaceaefamily and is spread in Southeastern Europe. Cultivated for ornamental purposes, lindens are very appreciated for the beauty of the crown and the charming smell. In Romania, it is also known as tei cainesc, tei de toamna, tei balan ortei bun. The linden can be used for both its wood and flowers and sapwood, which have therapeutic indications in both animal and human medicine.
The Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia)is a deciduous tree, whose flowers are illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 2.80. Acacia is part of theFabaceaefamily, it originates in North America, that was introduced in 1601, as an ornamental plant in the parks of France and in 1750, in Romania. It is known as acacie, acat, artar, bagrin, brebene, dafin, frasin, lemn alb, magrin, salchism orpanar. It is used in the industry for its very durable wood, which preserves well under water, and the flowers are used in recipes for the preparation of soft drinks or bakery products. Also, the flowers, leaves and bark are used in veterinary and human medicine therapies.
The Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is represented on the stamp with the face value of Lei 5.This annual herbaceous plant belongs to the Asteraceaefamily and originates in northern Mexico and the United States of America. It was brought to Europe in 1510 and used as a decorative plant in the gardens and parks of Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium and Germany, being used as seeds producing plant for oil between the 17thand 18thcenturies. In Romania, it is also known as ierboaie, ochiul-soarelui, pantonea, ruja-soarelui, sora-soarelui orrumanita mare. The sunflower has multiple uses, being introduced into the food crop for oil or animal feed and used in human and veterinary medicine therapies, as well as in agriculture for its natural fertilizer properties, obtained after burning.
The Canola (Brassica rapa subsp.oleifera) is grafically reproduced on the stamp with the face value of Lei 8.50 lei. It is an annual herbaceous plant, which is part of theBrassicaceaefamily, has been grown since antiquity by peoples around the Mediterranean Sea and the Near East, spreading to India and countries of Asia. It is used in the industry for the production of oil and animal feed, and, due to its healing properties, it is also used for human and veterinary medical treatments.
The Apple (Malus domestica) whose flowers are illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 12 is a cultivated tree that is part of the Rosaceae family, being cultivated globally in over 10,000 varieties. The apple tree can have a longevity of up to 150 years, depending on the parent stock.In many cultures, it is seen as a tree of life, its flowers heralding the coming of spring. It is used in the food industry for its sweet fruits, and its wood is used in manufacturing various furniture items. The apple tree is also known for its therapeutic properties, being used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Romfilatelia thanks the “Dimitrie Brandza” Botanical Garden of the University of Bucharest and the Institute of Biology Bucharest of the Romanian Academy, for the documentary support granted in the achievement of this postage stamps issue.
The philatelic album is created into a limited edition of 232 pieces and is equipped with the block of the issue (containing five imperforated stamps with illustrated border and a thematic graphic symbol inscribed in hexagonal perforation) as well, the set of two First Day Covers with the “first day” postmark clearly imprinted, with foiling. Each element is numbered from 001 to 232.
