Cocos (Keeling) Islands Pandanus

Overview

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands evolved in isolation from a large land mass, and human populations only arrived a few hundred years ago. This, along with the sandy soil, helps to explain why there are only around 60 plant species recorded there. Plants that thrive on the island include Pisonia trees (Pisonia grandis), Beach Almond (Terminalia catappa) and Ironwood (Cordia subcordata).

The only plant believed to be endemic to Cocos is Pandanus tectorius var. cocosensis, commonly known as Pandanus or Screw Pine. There is, however, evidence to suggest that it may not be a distinct variety but part of the natural variation of Pandanus tectorius, a species native to eastern Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands. This small tree typically grows in coastal lowlands, near the edge of the ocean, supported by prop roots that anchor it to the ground. It is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. Male plants produce showy white bracteate flowers, while female plants have flowers that produce large orange fruits.

The designs in this issue feature watercolours by artist Katherine Appleby. The stamps depict a close-up study of various aspects of the Pandanus plant, while the minisheet features a photograph of the full tree, for context.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 4 October 2022
Issue withdrawal date: 30 April 2023
Denomination: $1.10 x 4
Stamp design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design: Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phos.
Printer: RA Printing
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 26 x 37.5
Minisheet size (mm): 170 x 80
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
Sheet layout: Module of 50
FDI Postmark: Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799
FDI withdrawal date: 1 November 2022

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 Pandanus leaves

The prickly, green strappy leaves of the Pandanus grow in a spiral, like the thread of a screw, hence the alternative common name “Screw Pine”.

$1.10 Pandanus male flowers

These impressive clusters of cream-white staminate flowers are produced by male Pandanus trees. The long bracts that enclose the developing male flower clusters have a similar appearance to a corn husk, opening to allow dispersal of pollen.

$1.10 Pandanus fruit on tree

On female Pandanus trees, each fruit hangs from the centre of a spiral of leaves. The fruit is green at first, turning bright orange upon ripening.

$1.10 Pandanus segmented fruit

The Pandanus fruit is composed of numerous wedge-shaped segments that separate at maturity to disperse the seed. This design shows a detached fruit and some loose segments.