2023 loyalty bonus stamp – Amaryllis 16.02.2024

The splendidly illustrated amaryllis flower on this year's loyalty bonus stamp is Austrian Post’s token of appreciation for its subscribers.

The term Amaryllis refers to several species within the amaryllis family: on one hand, the true amaryllis originating from South Africa, also known as the “belladonna lily”, which blooms pink, and on the other hand, plants from the genus Hippeastrum, native to South America, commonly referred to as “knight's-star lily”. Both types look very similar, and moreover, both contain the highly toxic alkaloid lycorine. In stores, it is mostly hybrids of the knight's-star lily that are sold as amaryllis. They are sold in late autumn as flower bulbs with one or more small flower shoots and then bloom around Christmas time. With their numerous lush flowers in various shades of pink, white, and red on a long stem, the amaryllis is not only a popular houseplant but also a beautiful cut flower.

Value: 0.95 euros
First day of issue: 02.03.2024
First day: 8230 Hartberg
Stamp size: 33.35 x 42.00 mm
Graphic design: Brigitte Heiden
Printing: Joh. Enschedé Stamps B.V.
Printing technique: offset printing
Quantity: 280,000 stamps on sheets of 50 stamps