The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : Which flower is traditionally associated with love and given on Valentine's Day?
Possible answers:
- Tulip
- Lily
- Rose
- Orchid
Explanation: The red rose has symbolized passionate love since antiquity. It is the best-selling flower in the world.
Question 2 : Which flower is the symbol of the Netherlands and caused a speculative bubble in the 17th century?
Possible answers:
- The carnation
- The crocus
- The hyacinth
- The tulip
Explanation: Tulip mania (1636-1637) was the first speculative bubble in history. A single bulb could be worth the price of a house.
Question 3 : Which yellow flower follows the movement of the sun across the sky?
Possible answers:
- The sunflower
- The dandelion
- The daisy
- The marigold
Explanation: The sunflower exhibits heliotropism: young plants turn to follow the sun, then fix facing east at maturity.
Question 4 : In which country does "Hanami" celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms?
Possible answers:
- Korea
- Japan
- China
- Thailand
Explanation: Hanami is an ancient Japanese tradition where people contemplate cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring.
Question 5 : Which fragrant purple flower is emblematic of Provence?
Possible answers:
- Lilac
- Iris
- Violet
- Lavender
Explanation: Lavender has been cultivated in Provence since the Middle Ages for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It attracts bees.
Question 6 : Which aquatic flower is sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism?
Possible answers:
- Water lily
- Papyrus
- Water iris
- Lotus
Explanation: The lotus symbolizes spiritual purity because it emerges immaculate from muddy water. It is the national flower of India.
Question 7 : Which flower family has more than 25,000 species, the largest of flowering plants?
Possible answers:
- Daisies
- Orchids
- Lilies
- Roses
Explanation: Orchids (Orchidaceae) represent about 10% of all flowering plants. They grow on every continent except Antarctica.
Question 8 : Which white flower was the symbol of French royalty?
Possible answers:
- The camellia
- The rose
- The lily
- The iris
Explanation: The fleur-de-lis adorned the coats of arms of French kings since the 12th century, symbolizing purity and sovereignty.
Question 9 : Which red field flower is the symbol of remembrance for World War I soldiers?
Possible answers:
- The red tulip
- The red carnation
- The poppy
- The anemone
Explanation: The poppy bloomed in the battlefields of Flanders. It is worn on November 11th in Commonwealth countries.
Question 10 : Which white mountain flower is the symbol of the Alps and Switzerland?
Possible answers:
- Edelweiss
- Columbine
- Gentian
- Rhododendron
Explanation: Edelweiss grows between 1,500 and 3,000 meters altitude. Its name means "noble white" in German. It is a protected species.
