On September 17, four postage stamps dedicated to the plants of the Crimean Peninsula were put into postal circulation in the Flora of Russia series

The Crimean Peninsula is located in a unique place at the intersection of various climatic zones, which creates ideal conditions for a variety of the plant life. The greater part of the flora is of the Mediterranean origin. It is home for about 2,400 plant species, many of which are endemic.

Forests occupy a significant part of the territory and are represented by various types of trees: both deciduous and coniferous, consisting of pines, spruces and firs. Krymskaya speedwell and Biberstein chickweed encounter in mountainous areas on stony and detrital slopes. The plains are dominated by steppes, where grasses, cereals and shrubs grow. They are highly resistant to drought and can adapt to various conditions. They provide space for feather-grass, wormwood, sage, kendyr, and groundsel. On the southern coast, where the climate is warmer and more humid, it is possible to see olive trees, laurel forests and many shrubs such as juniper and myrtle.

Crimea is rich with vineyards, fruit orchards with pear, apple, cherry, and peach trees, as well as several dozens of most beautiful parks. Roses, Daylilies, clematises, cannas, magnolias, and mulberries are planted on these landscape territories and city streets.

Some plants are planted on the Peninsula owing to famous gardeners, botanists, as well as prominent figures of history and culture.

The Grand Mulberry Garden appeared in the eastern part of Crimea in the 18th century by order of Prince G. Potemkin. Southern big-flower magnolia was planted in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden in 1817 by botanist Nicolai von Hartwiss. Common pear was planted in the early 1900s by writer A. Chekhov in the garden of the White Dacha in the city of Yalta. Rose Lady Banks decorated the terrace of the house of painter K. Korovin in the village of Gurzufe in the 1910s.

The postage stamps provide images of common pear, southern big-flower magnolia, rose Lady Banks and black mulberry.

In addition to the issue of the postage stamps, JSC Marka produced First Day Covers and special cancels for Moscow, Simferopol and Yalta of the Republic of Crimea, as well as maxi-cards and an illustrated cover with postage stamps, a label and a First Day Cover with a cancel for Yalta of the Republic of Crimea inside.


Design Artist: A. Kradyshev; Design: O. Savina.
Face value: 33 rubles.
Stamp size: 36.5×29 mm, sheet size: 100×150 mm.
Emission form: a sheet with formatted margins with 8 (2×4) stamps.
Quantity: 54 thousand each stamp (27 thousand sheets).

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