Orchid Stamps Hope to Promote Conservation

The Costa Rican Post Office has just made it easier to show off the country’s orchids to friends around the world with a new series of stamps issued last month.

Ten of the 350 species of orchids found in Costa Rica are pictured on dark blue backgrounds.

Each stamp has a value of ¢180 ($0.35) and is good for mail to North and South America and Europe. They come in sheets of 10.

The stamps were designed to stimulate interest in conservation, especially of orchids. Some species are in danger of extinction. The featured orchids were photographed at LankesterGardens near Cartago, east of San José, by Franco Pupulin, a recognized expert in orchids.

These delightful stamps and other commemorative stamps are available at the philatelic office of the Central Post Office at Calle 2, between Avenidas 1 and 3, in downtown San José, ground floor, left side when entering. The post office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.