Philatelic enthusiasts will enjoy the latest offering of postage stamps timed to celebrate this year's Christmas season. Jamaican wild flowers are featured in the 2006 Christmas stamp issue. These flowers were photographed by renowned Jamaican photographer and environmentalist, Denis Valentine.

Blakea Trinervia:This shrub, commonly known as 'cup and saucer' or 'Jamaican rose', is endemic to Jamaica. It grows in wooded hillsides at elevations from 270 to 1,370 metres, is in bloom most of the year and produces a bright pink flower 7.5-8 cm in size.

Guaracum Officinale is the 'white lignum vitae'. Lignum vitae in its white form is very rare. These bloom in March, June, September and November. Trees bearing the white flowers have only been seen in the Kingston area.

Necogniauxia Monophylla, a small orange orchid, is endemic to Jamaica. They grow on trees in mature woodlands at an elevation of 1,200 metres. These flowers are found in Foxes Gap and Fairy Glade, are bright orange, approximately 2.5cm, and bloom between August and September.

Known locally as the 'ghost orchid', Dendrophylax Funalis is endemic to Jamaica. This is an orchid without leaves and is found growing on rough limestone rocks or isolated trees in the Cockpit Country, Worthy Park, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas at elevations between 240-490 metres. The flowers are pale green with cream lip and yellow green spur. This orchid blooms between September and April.

The 2006 Christmas postage stamps are available in denominations of $20, $30, $50 and $60. First-day covers are available for $260 at the Philatelic Bureau located at the Central Sorting Office.

How to contact Jamaica Post

If you need to reach us for a question, comment, compliment or an enquiry, please make contact via the following:

1.Toll-free line: 1-888-JAMPOST (1-888-526-7678) from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Friday.

2.Customer Service Unit: Telephone: 922-9448.

3. Switchboard: Telephone: 922-9430-8.

4.Website:www.jamaicapost.gov.jm - use the 'Contact Us' link. This sends an email to us with comments/ questions.

5.Email:postcorp_admin@colis.com.