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Australian Botany Trivia

Australian Botany Trivia Quizzes

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Head down under to find quizzes about the plants, flowers and other botanical items specific to Australia. It's not all 'outback' - some of it's right here.
11 Australian Botany quizzes and 110 Australian Botany trivia questions.
1.
Unique Australian Plants
  Unique Australian Plants   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Australian has many unique plants in our lovely nation. Here are ten of these for you, and the uses to which some can be put.
Easier, 10 Qns, Creedy, Jun 10 15
Easier
Creedy gold member
806 plays
2.
Love Drought
  Love Drought   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
The book of Australian xerophytes (drought-friendly plants) that I was given for Christmas provided useful information as I chose plants for my new garden.
Average, 10 Qns, looney_tunes, Dec 12 17
Average
looney_tunes editor
Dec 12 17
1009 plays
3.
Bloomin Australia
  Bloomin' Australia   popular trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
While Australia is known for their interesting and unique animals, its plants are every bit as unique, and many are quite beautiful. While these plants may now be found in other places, all originated in Australia.
Average, 10 Qns, dcpddc478, May 27 23
Average
dcpddc478
May 27 23
505 plays
4.
Foraging Flora Down Under
  Foraging Flora Down Under   great trivia quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Following on from my quiz "Foraging Flora" which was UK based, let us take a look down under at the flora which provides bush tucker in Australia.
Average, 10 Qns, Plodd, Jul 26 16
Average
Plodd
232 plays
5.
  Spring Has Sprung, Wildly   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
While not as well known as that which takes place in Western Australia each spring, Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) in Victoria also hosts a stunning display of spring colour when the local wildflowers come out and greet the visitors.
Average, 10 Qns, Aussiedrongo, Mar 28 12
Average
Aussiedrongo
370 plays
6.
  Wollemi   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The Wollemi Pine was discovered in an Australian National Park in 1994. The story of this ancient tree is much, much older.
Average, 10 Qns, Nannanut, Dec 07 19
Average
Nannanut
Dec 07 19
466 plays
7.
  Wattleido   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Triviabiz had an Australian team leader with the username of "Wattleido", although her real name was Flora. So here's a quiz spelling out her username about Australian flora. Good luck!
Average, 10 Qns, Lpez, Oct 05 23
Average
Lpez gold member
Oct 05 23
297 plays
8.
  Australian Plants and Vegetation    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz tests your knowledge of major Australian vegetation types and ecosystems, the plants that dominate them, and some of their ecological features.
Tough, 10 Qns, Phyllis_n_Jean, Dec 07 06
Tough
Phyllis_n_Jean
509 plays
9.
  Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems editor best quiz    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This quiz tests your knowledge of Australian botany with questions about the nine Australian floral emblems - national (1), state (6) and territory (2). Best for those who know their emblems already and want to test their botanical prowess.
Difficult, 10 Qns, Phyllis_n_Jean, Dec 16 06
Difficult
Phyllis_n_Jean
1559 plays
10.
  Western Australian Wildflowers    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Western Australia has some of the most unusual wildflowers in the world, many of them found nowhere else. Here is a quiz about them which I hope may enthuse you to find out more.
Average, 10 Qns, tezza1551, Jan 06 24
Average
tezza1551
Jan 06 24
274 plays
11.
  Poisonous Aussie Plants!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many plants the world over are poisonous and should never be eaten, let alone touched! From the descriptions given can you name the poisonous Aussie plant? All multiple choice.
Difficult, 10 Qns, Engadine, Dec 07 06
Difficult
Engadine
477 plays
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Australian Botany Trivia Questions

1. In full bloom at the beginning of the spring wildflower season within the Grampians is the golden wattle, the floral emblem of Australia. Having the botanical species name pycnantha, to which genus does this plant belong?

From Quiz
Spring Has Sprung, Wildly

Answer: Acacia

There are almost one thousand identified species of Acacia in Australia making it the largest genus of vascular plants in the country. Due to the vast number found throughout The Grampians, and their various flowering times, fluffy balls of bright yellow can be seen virtually all year round. Acacia pycnantha, the golden wattle, begins flowering in late winter and carries on throughout spring. It is a large shrub/small tree growing from four to six metres tall by two to four metres wide. The mass of scented globular flowers contrasted against the glossy green foliage has also inspired Australia's national sporting colours of green and gold. The Banksia, Eucalyptus (gums) and Melaleuca (myrtles) genuses are also well known icons of Australian flora and many species of each can be found in The Grampians too.

2. There are around 1500 different types of wildflowers found in the Stirling Ranges. In what part of Western Australia are these ranges found?

From Quiz Western Australian Wildflowers

Answer: Great Southern

The Stirling Ranges are located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, and of the 1500 or so varieties found here, 87 are unique to the area. The ranges are located north north east of Albany.

3. The tallest flowering plants in the world dominate the canopies in the wet tall forests of south-eastern Australia. The scientific name for this species of plant is Eucalyptus regnans. What is its common name?

From Quiz Australian Plants and Vegetation

Answer: mountain ash

Mountain ash forests are common in Tasmania and in patches of Victoria. Some of the large expanses of vegetation destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires of 1939 were mountain ash forest. Though there are living mountain ash trees over 90 metres high, it is thought that the species is capable of growing even taller, surpassing the height of the world's tallest trees, Californian redwoods, but that the very tallest trees were destroyed after European settlement by logging or bushfires.

4. For which of the regions is the floral emblem a monocotyledonous plant?

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: Queensland and Western Australia

Western Australia's emblem, the red and green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), and Queensland's, the Cooktown orchid (Vappodes phalaenopsis), are the only monocots. The Australian Capital Territory's emblem, the royal bluebell (Wahlenbergia gloriosa) is often mistaken for a monocot because of its herbaceous habit and slender leaves, but the five-petalled flowers are a giveaway that it is a dicot.

5. A rainforest tree from northern New South Wales and Queensland, it is grown for its shade in Western and South Australia but its fruits are poisonous to humans. What is its name?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: White Cedar

Melia azedarach australasica, or the White Cedar, is more commonly known in Western and South Australia as the Cape Lilac. Its yellow coloured fruits cause gastro enteritis, drowsiness and convulsions in humans and brain and intestinal damage in pigs.

6. A - Anigozanthos manglesii is the floral emblem of Western Australia. What is its more common name?

From Quiz Wattleido

Answer: Red and Green Kangaroo Paw

The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is endemic to Western Australia and was made its State plant on 9th November, 1960. It is a desired garden plant, with showy flowers growing on stalks around 1200 mm high. It has been designated as protected and a licence is needed to collect it from the wild. The Western Australia Christmas Tree is a hemiparasitic shrub from Western Australia. It has orange flowers during the Christmas season. It attaches its roots to other plants in order to steal water and nutrients. The Royal Bluebell is the floral emblem of the Capital Territory. The Common Heath Pink is the floral emblem of Victoria. - rhosyn.

7. Shallow limestone soil and minimal precipitation prevent any trees from growing on the Nullarbor Plain on the southern coast of Australia. This extraordinary and magnificent ecosystem is dominated by shrubs of which plant genus?

From Quiz Australian Plants and Vegetation

Answer: Atriplex (saltbush)

Atriplex and other genera of the Chenopodiaceae family cover the Nullarbor. Atriplex nummularia, or old man saltbush, is a dominant feature because of its large size - the species can grow up to three metres tall and form clumps several metres across. One of the most spectacular chenopods on the Nullarbor is Maireana erioclada, whose fruits in spring are a bright magenta colour, and show up brightly against the blue-grey foliage. Artemisia and Opuntia are both common in North American deserts, and Artemisia is also common in South African arid areas, but they are not indigenous to Australian deserts. Leptospermum is generally a more temperate genus.

8. The emblem of which state or territory is most closely related to Australia's national emblem?

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: South Australia

South Australia's emblem, Sturt's desert pea (Swainsona formosa), and the national emblem, golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), are both legumes, belonging to the order Fabales. Legumes are characterised by their fruit: a single-chambered elongate pod. These two species belong to different families of legume though: Sturt's desert pea belongs to the family Fabaceae, and golden wattle to the Mimosaceae.

9. Captain Cook's men became very ill after eating the seeds from this species of Australian plant - unlike the local Aboriginals who found them a rich source of nutrients. What is the common name of this species?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Cycad

The seeds of Australia's more than thirty cycads are highly poisonous but the Aboriginals knew how to carefully prepare them before cooking and eating them and as such, avoided any illness. The chemicals in untreated cycad seeds are not actually toxic themselves but bacteria in the intestine yield a toxin which is very potent.

10. The appeal of many plants is often more than just a visual one. The indigenous peoples that inhabited the Grampians used the flowers of Acrotriche serrulata to brew a sweet refreshing beverage that reflects what common name given to this species?

From Quiz Spring Has Sprung, Wildly

Answer: honey-pots

The small tubular flowers of honey-pots are full of nectar and so were steeped in water by the indigenous peoples of the area providing them with sweet liquid refreshment. It is a low-growing dense bush that is often found in sheltered positions amongst other larger shrubs and trees. Flowers appear from autumn through spring and give way to small green berries in summer which were also used as bush-tucker. Many of the bird species found in the Grampians also make a meal of these berries and have contributed to the species being widespread by way of dispersing seeds in their droppings. The Jardwadjali and the Djab Wurrung were the two major tribes of indigenous peoples inhabiting the Grampians region. Spectacular evidence of their occupation here and the spiritual significance it held for them is evidenced by the rock art that is contained within the park. Although there are only five sites that are accessible for public viewing (many are in advanced stages of erosion, others have been vandalised by mindless morons) there are around three hundred examples of this ancient art form present, which accounts for around eighty percent of all indigenous rock art in Victoria. After much political wrangling dating back to the late 1980's, the Grampians were recently renamed to incorporate the name the indigenous peoples used, thus becoming Grampians National Park (Gariwerd).

11. What is the name of the Western Australian state floral emblem ?

From Quiz Western Australian Wildflowers

Answer: Kangaroo Paw

Wattle is the Australian floral emblem. The Sturt desert pea is the emblem of the Northern territory, while boronia is found in Western Australia, but is not the floral emblem. There are several types of kangaroo paw, but the floral emblem is the red & green kangaroo paw.

12. Some floral emblem species are related to commercial agricultural crops. The emblem of which state or territory belongs to the same genus as cotton? (Hint: cotton is also related to the genus Hibiscus.)

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: Northern Territory

Sturt's desert rose (Gossypium sturtianum) is the emblem of the Northern Territory. Gossypium hirsutum is the main species of cultivated cotton. The flowers of Sturt's desert rose indeed resemble small Hibiscus flowers.

13. This yellow flowering bush, found in forests in northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory has been blamed for at least two reported deaths in Australia. What is its name?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Tie Bush

The reddish fruits of the deciduous Tie Bush, Wikstroemia indica, cause severe gastro-enteritis.

14. T -Tecticornia Pergranulata or Blackseed Glasswort is usually found on the edges of salt lakes and swamps. What unique characteristic does it possess to survive flooding and the high saline levels of its habitat?.

From Quiz Wattleido

Answer: The plant develops aquatic roots on the stem that take in oxygen from the water.

The Blackseed Glasswort's ability to use this method of survival is being studied in laboratories across Australia. Like all glassworts, its ash consists of soda ash which is used in the making of glass and soap. - rhosyn.

15. In the Stirling Ranges, there are a number of varieties of "bell" flowers, including Cranbrook bell, pink mountain bell, and Gillam's bell. What is their botanical genus ?

From Quiz Western Australian Wildflowers

Answer: Darwinia

The Cranbrook bell is botanically known as Darwinia meeboldii, the Gillam's bell as Darwinia oxyledis and the pink mountain bell as Darwinia squarrosa.

16. Two-thirds of the Australian continent is arid or semi-arid land. The emblems of which regions grow naturally in the deserts of the continent's interior?

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: South Australia and the Northern Territory

Sturt's desert pea and Sturt's desert rose both grow widely through central Australia. Golden wattle's distribution approaches the arid zone, growing on the margins of semi-arid areas like the Eyre Peninsula, but doesn't quite make it. The rest are temperate species, except for the Cooktown orchid, which is tropical.

17. Tree had no idea it was soon to be so very important in the eyes of the whole world. It simply wanted the presence gone and the peace of the canyon to return. Little did Tree know it was soon to have its very own name. What was this?

From Quiz Wollemi

Answer: Wollemia Nobilis

David Noble's discovery of this rare and ancient species was to bear his name - Wollemia Nobilis. As fate would have it - the name Noble also reflected the trees' imposing and stately grandeur. The name Wollemia was taken from the park in which the trees were discovered - Wollemi - and means "watch out, look around you".

18. Found in rainforests in New South Wales and Queensland, all parts of this plant are poisonous! By what name is it known?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Cunjevoi

Exhibiting an attractive yellow anthurium-like flower, the Cunjevoi, Alocasia macrorrhiza, if chewed (any part thereof), causes pain and swelling of the mouth and the throat.

19. L - There is a plant native to Australia with white flowers called Beard-heath. What is its botanical name? (Hint: think about the Greek words for "white" and "beard").

From Quiz Wattleido

Answer: Leucopogon

There are nearly 160 species of Beard-heath. Its botanical name is Leucopogon. It is a perennial, evergreen flowering shrub (or small tree) which is native to different parts of Australia. It is of the family Ericaceae, which means these plants are heathers, so its common name, beard-heath, follows from this. The flowers are a beautiful white colour with petals which have a furry appearance like a white beard. Now if we go back to the botanical name, this has its origins in Greek. "leukos" means "white" and "pogon" means "beard". - Kenners158

20. The natural distributions of which of the emblems are restricted to the nation/state/territory they represent?

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: the emblems of Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia

Golden wattle, the Cooktown orchid, the New South Wales waratah (Telopea speciosissima) and the red and green kangaroo paw are endemic to their regions: Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia respectively. Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), Victoria's emblem pink heath (Epacris impressa) and the royal bluebell are all found in at least two states/territories in the south-east, and both Sturt's desert pea and Sturt's desert rose are found in multiple arid-zone states and the Northern Territory.

21. In the rainforests of northern Queensland grows a tree with yellow to red coloured toxic fruit. What is its name?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Finger Cherry

The fruit of the Finger Cherry or Native Loquat, Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa, is full of a toxin that attacks the optic nerve and has been blamed for many cases of permanent blindness.

22. E - Eucalyptus saligna, one of many kinds of eucalyptus, is a highly endangered plant, and although they can live up to 200 years, humans are decimating these trees by cutting them. What is its more common name?

From Quiz Wattleido

Answer: Sydney blue gum

Eucalyptus saligna belongs to the Myrtaceae family. The origin of the word comes from the greek words "eu" (well) and "kalyptos" (covered). Many birds get nectar from the tree, while in flower. Gimlet gum is the common name of Eucalyptus salubris, steel box is the common name of Eucalyptus rummeryi, and Fremantle mallee is the common name of Eucalyptus foecunda. Eucalyptus has more than 700 varieties. - Lpez

23. The national floral emblem belongs to the largest plant genus in Australia. The emblem of which state or territory belongs to the second largest?

From Quiz Australian Botany: The Floral Emblems

Answer: Tasmania

The national floral emblem genus Acacia contains about a thousand Australian species. The genus of Tasmania's emblem, Eucalyptus, is runner-up with about 850 species.

24. Tree watched as more visitors reached its home. More specimens were collected directly from Tree and taken away. Tree hoped they had good reason for this, as the intrusion was most unwelcome. What was this about?

From Quiz Wollemi

Answer: A decision was made to propagate more trees outside the park.

A decision to limit access to the trees and their environment meant that ensuring the survival of the Wollemi would involve a careful propagation program. The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney received the exclusive license to establish a propagation program - and ultimately - a marketing strategy to ensure the survival of the "dinosaur tree".

25. Growing in coastal heathlands of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, this plant has been blamed for several deaths. It is known by several common names, but, what is its scientific name?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Abrus precatorius

Crab's Eye, Gidee-Gidee or Jequirity Bean, Abrus precatorius, has bright red seeds that if chewed, even just one, can cause severe gastro-enteritis, muscle weakening, accelerated heart rate and circulatory failure, i.e., death. But, if swallowed whole the seeds will 'pass' without any ill effects.

26. Where do Melaleuca (paperbark) thickets typically grow?

From Quiz Australian Plants and Vegetation

Answer: swampy areas

Some swampy coastal regions, particularly in the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia, are dominated by expanses of Melaleuca. The genus is very common in other wet places like river courses in tropical and temperate Australia too. Some species of paperbark have been introduced elsewhere in the world to dry up swamps. One such species, Melaleuca quinquenervia, has become a terrible weed in the Florida everglades in the USA.

27. Tree was worried. One of the other trees in its stand looked decidedly unwell. Its leaves were wilted and yellow and Tree was worried that the visits from the outside world had caused this. What was the problem?

From Quiz Wollemi

Answer: A fungus

Phytophthora cinnamomi was discovered in one tree in the Wollemi National Park in November 2005. Scientists feared it was a result of thrill seekers abseiling into the canyon to see the trees, bringing the fungus with them. Strong fungicides were used systemically and all authorised visitors must now wear sterile clothing when visiting the site.

28. Urtica incisa is a poisonous rainforest plant commonly known as what?

From Quiz Poisonous Aussie Plants!

Answer: Stinging Nettle

The Stinging or Scrub Nettle which is closely related to the common weed Urtica urens produces toxins that cause itching, swelling and a burning sensation.

29. D - Darwinia is an evergreen bush, native to mainly Western Australia, and sadly many species of this plant are now considered to be endangered. What are its flowers better known as?

From Quiz Wattleido

Answer: Mountain Bells

This plant is named after Charles Darwin, as was the town of that name in Australia. Neither Canterbury Bells nor Blue Bells are native to Australia as far as I know. Australian Bells I made up! - C30

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