F E A T U R E D : J U N E 2 0 1 2 - A R I Z O N A C A T C I

STAMP SERIES - Edition XXI

2012 COMMERATIVEC O L L E C T I O N O F U S S T A M P S E R I E S

TABLE OFCONTENTS

JANUARYMayan History- page 2

FEBRUARYSea Creatures- page 4

MARCHThe Chinese Zodiac- page 6

APRILMythical Creatures- page 8

MAYMayan History- page 10

JUNE *ARIZONA CACTI page 12

JULYPin up Girls- page 14

AUGUSTFamous US Wars- page 16

SEPTEMBERTonka Cars-page 18

OCTOBERAnime Characters page 20

NOVEMBERHistory of Pizza- page 28

DECEMBERWinter Wonderland- page 30

FlowersThe flowers of the hedgehog cactus are generally a deep

red, reddish-violet, pink or fuchsia hue depending on the

species. Flowers are cup-like in appearance and bloom

from April until June. The crimson variety of hedgehog

cactus features flowers that differentiate themselves

from other cactus species by remaining open throughout

the night.

Exterior CharacteristicsThe plant protects itself from predators. Its main form of

protection are the sharp spines that cover the entirety of

the plant and also provide the cactus with shade from

the desert sun's heat.

Shape and SizeThey are cylindrical, or barrel-shaped, in appearance and

can grow to about 20 inches tall, though most varieties

reach heights of 6 to 8 inches. The plant occurs in clumps

which can be up to 2 feet tall.

HEDGEHOG CACTUS

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SAGUARO CACTUS

Shape and SizeSaguaro are extremely slow growing cactus. A ten year

old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. They can grow to

be between 40-60 feet tall. When rain is plentiful and its

fully hydrated, some weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.

FlowersThey have white flowers in the late spring, and red fruit

in summer. Saguaro flowers are self incompatible thus

require cross pollination. The saguaro blossom is the

State Wildflower of Arizona.

Exterior CharacteristicsThe holes that birds nested in or "saguaro boots" can be

found among the dead saguaros. Native Americans used

these as water containers long before the canteen was

available. The largest known saguaro is ‘The Champion’

and is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, and 45.3 feet

tall with a girth of 10 feet.

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FlowersBlooms during the April-June timeframe with yellow,

orange or reddish flowers. Its cylindrical-shaped fruit is

red to purplish in color. Its fruit, referred to as "tunas",

are a food source for rodents and birds. Javelinas, an

interesting Sonoran animal that resemble a wild boar,

eat the pads.

Exterior CharacteristicsThe pads of this cactus plant are shaped like a large

pear, hence the name. If you bite into the pad (not

advised), you will learn where the designation "prickly"

comes from.

Shape and SizeGrows to a height of five feet and spread to a diameter

of 15 feet. and Grows at from 1,500 to 7,500' elevation

preferring sandy soils.

PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS

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ORGAN PIPE CACTUS

Shape and SizeIt has many thick stems to 8 inches in diameter which

grow up to 20 feet. In the US, the plant can mainly be

found within the boundaries of Organ Pipe National

Monument in southwestern Arizona, which was

established in order to protect this species.

FlowersIt blooms between May - June and produces pale

lavender, funnel shaped flowers that grow along the

sides and tips of the stems. Flowers are followed by a

red, spherical, spiny fruit.

Exterior CharacteristicsThe plant is slow growing, and prefers well-drained soil

and full sun. However, when in the seedling stage, it

requires shade, and will grow beneath a "nurse tree".

It will need this for several years until it grows an

adequate root system.

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BACK OF BOOKSTAMPS

"Back of book" stamps are uncommon stamps usually found in the back of collector's guides.

US Back of Book issues are divided in several main categories: U.S. Air Mails, American

Offices in China, United States Officials, Parcel Post, Postage Dues, Postal Stationeries,

Registration stamps, Semi-Postal stamps, Special Delivery and Special Handling. Many

stamp collectors focus on "back of the book" stamps because these pieces are rarer

and require more skill to collect

US STAMPS C - AIRMAILAir mail or Air Post stamps were used for the prepayment

of postage for the premium service.

US STAMPS E - SPECIAL DELIVERYAir mail or Air Post stamps were used for the prepayment

of postage for the premium service.

US STAMPS F - REGISTRATIONAir mail or Air Post stamps were used for the prepayment

of postage for the premium service.

US STAMPS J - POSTAGE DUEAir mail or Air Post stamps were used for the prepayment

of postage for the premium service.

US STAMPS K - OFFICES IN CHINAAir mail or Air Post stamps were used for the prepayment

of postage for the premium service.

To Learn More about Back of Book Stamps & how to order, please visit: www.USPostalService.com/BackofBook

USA- $29.99