Another transparency was the source of this picture of Rhodesia’s unofficial floral emblem, the flame lily, also known as the Turk’s Cap or gloriosa lily. Originally rendered in two colours, a third colour, yellow, was found necessary and a background similar to that of the Fiji 8d. “Hibiscus” stamp (now 9d.) was requested and effected.
The flame lily is remarkably attractive and rich in colour, though sometimes inconspicuous in its natural surroundings. The flowers vary a great deal—in colour from a deep crimson to a bright yellow, and in the amount of crinkling and twist to the petals. The truest yellow form is said to be found in the east, while the colour gradually deepens to the west of Rhodesia. The inverted red and yellow petals, sweeping up and away from the centre and ending in a thin point, are like individual candle flames—hence its popular name.
The plant is poisonous.
Details
- Subject: Flame Lily
- Designer: Victor Whitely
- Printer: Harrison & Sons Ltd, London
- Process: Photogravure
- Paper: White paper
- Watermark: None
- Perf: 13.5 x 13 (comb)
- Cylinders:
- 1A (Yellow), 1A (Deep Red), 1A (Grey-Green)
- 1B (Yellow), 1B (Deep Red), 1B (Grey-Green)
- Sheet: R10 x 6
- Quantity: 6,542,000
- Reprints: 1965 (1A & 1B)
Cylinder Numbers
Sheet Numbers
Maximum Cards (Unofficial)
