Fruits and Nuts Trivia Quiz

Answer: Prunus

Prunus dulcis is the scientific name of the almond tree. Almond trees originated in Iran and surrounding countries and have since spread to Northern Africa, Southern Europe, and California. The domestication of almonds may go back over 5,000 years. The genus Prunus includes several other fruits including peaches and cherries. Almonds, like those fruits, are considered drupes (the fruit surrounds a single seed) rather than tree nuts.

Answer: Malus

Malus domestica is the scientific name for the (domestic) apple tree. The apple tree was first found in Central America but has since spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The genus Malus has dozens of species and includes various apples that can be consumed by humans as well as others that aren't typically eaten by humans.

In ideal conditions, an adult apple tree can produce several hundreds of pounds of apples in a a single year.

Answer: Persea

Persea americana is the scientific name of the avocado tree. The avocado is considered a large berry with a single large seed. Avocados originated in Mexico and since have spread to a number of countries with tropical and/or Mediterranean climates. Archaeological evidence suggests that avocados may have been cultivated by people for several thousands of years. Compared to many other fruits, avocados have a relatively high fat content.

Answer: Anacardium

Anacardium occidentale is the scientific name of the cashew tree. It is actually an evergreen tree. Native to northern South America, the cashew was later spread to Southeast Asia and Africa. The nut of the cashew tree is called a hypocarpium and is a fleshy structure that grows beneath the fruit of the tree. Cashew trees grow best in tropical climates with a dry season. Cashews are used in a variety of ways from animal feed to the base for production of an alcoholic beverage.

Answer: Ficus

Ficus carica is the name of the common fig tree. The genus Ficus includes hundreds of species, found in tropical and temperate areas. They are native to areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. The fig tree needs a sunny climate and can survive periods of drought.

It is thought that human cultivation of fig trees may go back over 10,000 years. Figs are consumed in a variety of fresh and dried forms.

Answer: Citrus

Citrus limon is the scientific name for the lemon tree. The genus Citrus also includes several other citrus fruits including limes and grapefruits. The lemon tree is probably native to Asia. From there, lemon trees have spread to several other areas including the Mediterranean, Florida, and California. In addition to culinary uses, lemons are also an important source of citric acid.

Answer: Morus

Morus nigra is the scientific name for the mulberry (or blackberry) tree. The mulberry fruit changes color from white to pink to red to purple to black as they mature. Mulberry trees can be found in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and India. Mulberry leaves are the primary food source for silk worms.

In some parts of the word, mulberry trees are considered to be an invasive species.

Answer: Carya

Carya illinoinensis is the scientific name for the pecan tree. This tree is native to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. The pecan is considered a drupe and not a nut. The tree is a deciduous tree. While the product of naturally growing pecan trees have been consumed for centuries, if not millennia, commercial cultivation of pecan trees only dates to the late 19th century.

Answer: Cydonia

Cydonia oblonga is the scientific name of the quince tree. The fruit of a quince tree is similar in appearance to a pear and the tree itself has ornamental property. Though the quince tree is native to Western Asia, it can be grown in a variety of climates. The fruit of the quince has a striking aroma and flavor. As a cultivated tree, the quince tree is relatively low maintenance.

Answer: Juglans

Juglans regia is the common name of the common walnut tree. There are over twenty species (most referred to as walnuts) in the genus Juglans. Walnut trees are found in large portions of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. China is the largest grower of walnuts.

While the walnut tree requires sufficient sunlight, it is relatively resistant to drought. The wood of the walnut tree as has a great deal of economic value.