May 2016 Reprints of the 2009 "Indigenous Flowers of Mauritius" Definitive Issue

On 24 and 31 May 2016, the Mauritius Post released new reprints of the Rs 8 and Rs 25 denominations and of the Rs 3 denomination respectively of the 9 April 2009 Indigenous Flowers of Mauritius definitive issue.

2009 original prints (left) and 2016 reprints (right) with some slight differences in shades

It is the second recorded reprint of the Rs 8 (Distephanus populifolius) and Rs 25 (Roussea simplex) stamps after the 1 June 2010 reprints (a reprint of the Rs 15 Aphloia theiformis stamp was also issued on that date).

Unofficial Special Souvenir Cover

According to the inserts of the 2009 FDCs, Distephanus populifolius is a rare endemic plant found only on dry exposed mountain tops where it grows on rocky medium.  It bears composite white and yellow flowers and its silvery leaves offer a perfect camouflage with its rocky surroundings.

2009 original print (left) and 2016 reprint (right)

2016 reprint

Roussea simplex on the other hand is a rare endemic shrub now found in few places like Le Pouce, Grand Bassin, Bassin Blanc, Trou aux Cerfs and Combo.  Its orange yellow bell-shaped flowers are conspicuous and attractive.

2009 original issue (left) and 2016 reprint (right)

2016 reprint

It is however the first recorded reprint of the Rs 3 (Myonima obovata) stamp.

Unofficial Special Souvenir Cover

Myonima obovata is a small shrub of mid altitude dry forests, which bears nice clusters of small pinkish white flowers.  The beauty of this plant lies in its juvenile leaves where a mosaic of red, purple and green venation under a thin waxy layer catches one's attention.

2009 original issue (left) and 2016 reprint (right)

2016 reprint