Flowering Minds Trivia Quiz

Answer: Stigmas

The saffron crocus rarely grows in the wild. Saffron is a colorful seasoning that is used in many parts of the world from Europe to Southern Asia. The bright red threads you buy when purchasing saffron are actually the stigmas, or female portion, of the saffron crocus flowers.

It takes hundreds of flowers to produce one teaspoonful. Many rodents love this flower and pest control is an important part of production.

Answer: Mums

Chrysanthemums or 'mums', are one of the most cultivated flowers all around the world. They come in a huge variety of shapes and colors. Their name comes from the Greek word 'chrys', which means golden. This word is mixed with the ancient Greek word for flower, which is 'anthemon'.

The Japanese so revere the chrysanthemum that Japanese emperors sat upon Chrysanthemum thrones. Meanwhile, in Malta, this flower is associated with funerals and is considered unlucky.

Answer: True

Between 1634 to 1637, a period known as "Tulip Mania" occurred in Holland. The value of tulips shot so high that they were treated as a form of currency. At the height of this period, certain bulbs were selling for as much as ten times the annual income of a skilled worker.

This was a short term economy which eventually crashed. The tulip is native to central Asia and eventually made its way to central Europe. Tulips grow are considered perennials, which means they live longer than two years, they bloom in the springtime, and the blooms only last about five days.

Answer: California

Over half of the fresh-cut flowers grown in the U.S. come from the state of California. In spite of a long history of flower production, many domestic growers are facing stiff competition from other countries. The countries of Columbia and Ecuador account for over 90% of all roses, carnations and chrysanthemums sold every year in North America.

Answer: Vikings

When Vikings invaded Scotland, they were slowed down by the thorns of the wild thistle. This allowed the people of Scotland time to escape the sudden attack. Because of this old legend the "wild thistle" was adopted as the national flower of Scotland. The thistle has sharp prickles and comes in a variety of colors. They are a hearty plant that can grow in many different climates.

Answer: False

Pitcher plants come in a broad range of color and sizes. No matter their appearance, they are all meat eaters. They all use a cup shaped leaf full of what appears to be nectar to lure their prey in. Once the prey has landed and attempts to drink, it falls into the liquid it was so hungry for. Strong acids dissolve the prey in the same manner that your stomach acid breaks down your food.

The pitcher plant is however not poisonous to larger animals.

Answer: Sumatra

The titan arum, also known as the corpse flower, can only be found growing wild in the rainforests on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The fragrance is said to be reminiscent of rotting meat. The color and the unusual smell are thought to attract carrion-eating insects which assist in pollination.

The corpse lily blossoms only rarely in the wild, and even less frequently when cultivated.

Answer: Epilepsy

The passion flower was discovered by Europeans in 1620, while exploring the vast Amazonian rainforest. This woody vine grows in the sunlight, as long as it has intermittent shade. There are over 500 varieties of Passion flower and most are a combination of blue/purple and white.

They have been used for centuries by native populations and Europeans to treat anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and diarrhea. Passion flower are woody vines that are often grown on a trellis or other type of support.

Answer: Carnation

Carnations are one of the most popular flowers on the planet. They are hearty and can be dyed almost any color needed. According to an old Christian legend, carnations first appeared on the earth while Jesus carried the Cross. When his mother started to cry, carnations sprang from the ground where her tears fell. Dianthus is the formal name for the carnation, and this words comes from the Greek meaning "heavenly flower".

Answer: Zimbabwe

Flame lilies were native to Asia and Africa, but can now be found growing in Australia, and well as North and South America. This tuberous climbing plant produces flamboyant red and yellow flowers that display wavy edges. The flame lily holds the distinction of being the national flower of Zimbabwe and is known for its easiness to cultivate.