2 common pond plants in stamps as reminders to preserve natural habitat

Channel NewsAsia 9 Mar 12;

SINGAPORE: Two plants commonly found in the ponds, Yellow Burhead and Water Lettuce, will be featured as stamps in the Pond Life definitive issue.

Singapore Post said on Friday that they serve as reminders of the need to preserve the natural habitat so that wonderful creatures can continue to be part of Singapore's rich natural wildlife.

The set of two stamps is worth 58 cents.

Yellow Burhead can grow up to about one metre above water.

Its flowers are yellow and cup-shaped, and its seeds are dispersed by water, water birds and animals.

It is also an edible herb.

The young leaves and stems are traditionally eaten as a vegetable in most parts of Southeast Asia and India.

Water Lettuce floats on the water surface with only its long roots submerged in the water.

Its light green leaves are arranged like a lettuce and can grow up to about 14 centimetres.

It has small white flowers that are rarely seen.

- CNA/ck