Parasitic Flowering Plants on Postal Stamps: Vehicles for Learning

It is proposed that philately and the study of parasitic plants can be conflated for educational purposes. Of the 12 lineages of parasitic flowering plants, eight are currently represented on postal stamps. The most frequent genus seen on stamps is Rafflesia, closely followed by Viscum. These stamps convey messages about the history and importance of parasitic plants such as witchweed (Striga), sandalwood and mistletoes. Some of the parasitic plants are beautiful wildflowers such as Castilleja, Euphrasia and Pedicularis, whereas many mistletoes in Loranthaceae have flowers that rival orchids. Countries with rich parasite floras that currently do not have stamps featuring these plants should consider them as worthy subjects.