Detail

`The Ministry Information and Communication has been issuing stamps featuring wild flowers of Korea to make Korea`s natural scenic beauty known both at home and abroad. The following four wild flowers are selected in this sixth collection. 1. Halenia corniculata (L.)Cornaz This plant generally blooms annually or biennially, and it belongs to the Gentian family. It is used as an ingredient in herbal remedies or cultivated as garden ornamentals. It bears narrow oblong or oval leaves on a stem 10 to 60cm tall. It is called Tatkkot (anchor flower) in Korea because its flowers resemble anchors. The flowers bloom in July and August and are of a pale yellowish green color. 2. Erythronium japonicum Decne. This perennial plant of the Lily family grows in rocky, alpine regions. It is uaually grown for ornamentation or used in medicine. Its green leaves are mottled with dark splotches and are 6 to 12cm long. The plant bears reddish purple spear-shaped flowers with six petals in April and May. There is a W-shaped pattern on the inside of the petals. 3. Iris odaesanensis Y.Lee This plant belongs to the Iris family and grows 10 to 20cm in height. It is often used in medicine or for ornamentation. It bears spear-like leaves and yellow-spotted white flowers 2 to 2.5cm in diameter. One flower grows on each individual flower stalk and is in bloom in May and June. 4. Leontice microrrhyncha S.Moore This is a perennial or biennial plant of the Barberry family, and it grows to about 40cm in height. It is often used in medicine and for ornamentation. Its leaves grow alternately on its stem, and its yellow flowers bloom in clusters in about the month of May.`