1: What common name is given to species of Celosia with crested flower heads?
A: Woolflowers
B: Cockscombs
C: Feather blooms
D: Velvet flowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: If the flower heads are crested by fasciation, Celosia species are commonly known as cockscombs.
2: From which Ancient Greek word is the generic name “Celosia” derived?
A: Helios
B: Keleos
C: Phos
D: Logos
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The name “Celosia” is derived from the Ancient Greek word “kḗleos,” meaning “burning,” referring to the colorful, flame-like flower heads.
3: In which region of the world is Celosia commonly used under the Swahili name “mfungu”?
A: West Africa
B: East Africa’s highlands
C: South America
D: Southeast Asia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia is well known in East Africa’s highlands and is used under their Swahili name, “mfungu.”
4: How many seeds can one ounce of Celosia produce?
A: 10,000
B: 20,000
C: 43,000
D: 5,000
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: One ounce of Celosia seed may contain up to 43,000 seeds.
5: What is the approximate weight of one thousand Celosia seeds?
A: 1.0–1.2 grams
B: 2.0–2.5 grams
C: 0.5–0.8 grams
D: 1.5–2.0 grams
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: One thousand Celosia seeds can weigh between 1.0 and 1.2 grams.
6: Which Celosia varieties are commonly grown as garden ornamental plants?
A: C. argentea and C. plumosa
B: C. spicata and C. cristata
C: C. argentea and C. cristata
D: C. plumosa and C. spicata
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: C. argentea and C. cristata are common garden ornamental plants.
7: What is another name for Celosia argentea var. argentea, particularly in Central and West Africa?
A: Velvet flower
B: Quail grass
C: Soko
D: All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Celosia argentea var. argentea, or Lagos spinach, is also known as velvet flower, quail grass, and soko.
8: Which region considers “soko yokoto” a traditional fare, believing it “makes husbands fat and happy”?
A: Nigeria
B: Mexico
C: Spain
D: India
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In Nigeria, Celosia argentea var. argentea is known as “soko yokoto,” meaning “make husbands fat and happy.”
9: What nickname does Celosia argentea have in Spain due to its appearance?
A: Woolflower
B: Flame flower
C: Rooster comb
D: Cockscomb
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Spain, Celosia argentea is known as “Rooster comb” because of its appearance.
10: What type of cereal is Celosia classified as?
A: True cereal
B: Pseudo-cereal
C: Hybrid cereal
D: Wild cereal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia is classified as a pseudo-cereal, not a true cereal.
11: What do the leaves of Celosia have in terms of texture and taste?
A: Soft texture and mild cabbage taste
B: Crisp texture and spicy taste
C: Soft texture and mild spinach-like taste
D: Crunchy texture and sour taste
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The leaves of Celosia have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste.
12: Which country mainly consumes Celosia despite its debated African origin?
A: Indonesia
B: Nigeria
C: Philippines
D: Mexico
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Celosia is known as a foodstuff in Indonesia, despite its debated African origin.
13: What characteristic makes Celosia a potential widely-eaten vegetable in the future?
A: Its high nutrient content
B: Its ability to grow with minimal care
C: Its beautiful flowers
D: Its resistance to drought
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia is hailed as a vegetable that “grows like a weed without demanding all the tender loving care that other vegetables seem to need.”
14: In which season does Celosia grow well, particularly in Nigeria?
A: Dry season
B: Wet season
C: Winter season
D: Spring season
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia grows well in the wet season in Nigeria, while other plants may succumb to mold and diseases like mildew.
15: What does Celosia require to grow well despite its simplicity?
A: High temperature
B: Heavy watering
C: Moderate soil moisture
D: Fertile soil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Though a simple plant, Celosia does require moderate soil moisture to grow well.
16: In which Philippine festival is the Celosia flower recognized as the official flower?
A: Ati-Atihan Festival
B: Sinulog Festival
C: Pahiyas Festival
D: Kadayawan Festival
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Celosia flower is recognized as the official flower of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines.
17: Why was the Celosia flower chosen as the official flower for the Sinulog Festival?
A: It is easy to grow
B: It symbolizes good luck
C: Its colors resemble the regalia of the Infant Jesus
D: It is a native Filipino plant
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Celosia flower was chosen as the official flower for the Sinulog Festival because its colors, predominantly red and yellow, resemble the cape, crown, and other regalia of the Infant Jesus.
18: Where in Cebu City are Celosia argentea flowers grown seasonally?
A: Lapu-Lapu City
B: Sirao Garden
C: Ayala Center
D: Taoist Temple
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia argentea flowers are grown seasonally in Sirao Garden in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City.
19: What does the Celosia plant bloom duration depend on?
A: Length of daylight
B: Type of fertilizer used
C: Location and fertility of the soil
D: Watering frequency
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The bloom duration of Celosia can last 8–10 weeks depending upon the location and fertility of the soil.
20: Which part of the Celosia plant is commonly used in cooking?
A: Roots
B: Flowers
C: Leaves, young stems, and young inflorescences
D: Seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The leaves, young stems, and young inflorescences of the Celosia plant are used for stew and cooking as they soften up readily.
21: What makes Celosia a favorable plant in humid areas?
A: It requires no sunlight
B: It is resistant to mold and mildew
C: It grows best in dry conditions
D: It needs constant watering
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia works well in humid areas as it is resistant to mold and mildew.
22: In which country is the Sinulog Festival held every third Sunday of January?
A: Indonesia
B: Nigeria
C: Philippines
D: India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Sinulog Festival is held in the Philippines every third Sunday of January.
23: Which flower is used as the official flower for the Sinulog Festival held in honor of Santo Niño?
A: Rose
B: Sunflower
C: Celosia
D: Daisy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Celosia flower is used as the official flower for the Sinulog Festival held in honor of Santo Niño.
24: What nutritional value do Celosia leaves provide?
A: High in carbohydrates
B: High in fiber and vitamins
C: High in fat content
D: High in sugar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia leaves are cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable, rich in fiber and vitamins.
25: What alternative name is given to Celosia argentea in Mexico?
A: Soko
B: Velvet flower
C: Quail grass
D: Rooster comb
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In Mexico, Celosia argentea is known as “velvet flower.”
26: Where is Celosia known as one of the leading leafy green vegetables?
A: Central Africa
B: South America
C: Nigeria
D: Southeast Asia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia is one of the leading leafy green vegetables in Nigeria.
27: How long can Celosia blossoms last under optimal conditions?
A: 2-4 weeks
B: 4-6 weeks
C: 6-8 weeks
D: 8-10 weeks
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Celosia blossoms can last 8-10 weeks depending on location and soil fertility.
28: What is the botanical classification of Celosia?
A: Eudicots
B: Monocots
C: Bryophytes
D: Gymnosperms
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Celosia belongs to the clade Eudicots within the plant kingdom.
29: What is a famous quote related to cultivating Celosia?
A: It needs all tender loving care.
B: Every place I have tried it, it grows with no work.
C: It requires very specific conditions.
D: It is susceptible to many diseases.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A famous quote about Celosia cultivation is: “Every place I have tried it, it grows with no work.”
30: What subfamily is the genus Celosia placed in?
A: Caryophylloideae
B: Amaranthoideae
C: Chenopodioideae
D: Polygonoideae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The genus Celosia is placed in the subfamily Amaranthoideae.
31: How does Celosia reseed itself?
A: It requires manual planting.
B: It spreads through runners.
C: It reproduces through spores.
D: It reseeds itself abundantly.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Celosia reseeds itself abundantly and new plants come up in the immediate vicinity.
32: Which part of the Celosia plant is used as food in many cultures?
A: Roots
B: Flowers
C: Leaves and young stems
D: Seeds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In many cultures, the leaves and young stems of Celosia are used as food.
33: What characteristic of Celosia makes it resistant to many plant problems?
A: High nutrient requirement
B: Natural disease resistance
C: Complex growing conditions
D: Dependency on fertilizer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia has natural resistance to many diseases and little insect damage.
34: How many seeds are needed to potentially cover one hectare?
A: 20,000-50,000 kg
B: 50-100 kg
C: 200-700 kg
D: 1-2 kg
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Seed production in Celosia species can be very high, 200-700 kg per hectare.
35: What does “soko yokoto” mean in Nigeria?
A: A beautiful flower
B: A nourishing meal
C: Make husbands fat and happy
D: A fast-growing weed
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Nigeria, “soko yokoto” means “make husbands fat and happy” in reference to Celosia argentea.
36: In what type of climate does Celosia thrive?
A: Cold
B: Moderate
C: Hot and humid
D: Dry
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia thrives in hot and humid climates.
37: What is the best known traditional use of Celosia in Central and West Africa?
A: Medicine
B: Ornament
C: Leafy green vegetable
D: Fiber
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Central and West Africa, Celosia is traditionally used as a leafy green vegetable.
38: What does the name “mfungu” signify in East Africa?
A: Woolflower
B: Ornament
C: Edible plant
D: Sacred flower
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In East Africa, “mfungu” signifies that Celosia is an edible plant.
39: What local government in the Philippines declared Celosia as the official flower of a festival?
A: Manila
B: Cebu City
C: Davao
D: Quezon City
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The local government of Cebu City declared Celosia as the official flower of the Sinulog Festival.
40: What role does Celosia play in Mexican cuisine?
A: Used in desserts
B: Popular leafy green
C: Used for flavoring
D: Not used
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In Mexico, Celosia is widely grown and used as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.
41: Which Celosia species is commonly known as Lagos spinach?
A: C. argentea var. argentea
B: C. cristata
C: C. spicata
D: C. plumosa
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Celosia argentea var. argentea is commonly known as Lagos spinach.
42: For what reason might Celosia become more widely grown in the future?
A: Its strong flavor
B: High maintenance
C: Minimal care requirement
D: Short life cycle
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia may become more widely grown in the future because it requires minimal care.
43: What is an important cultural symbol related to Celosia in Cebu, Philippines?
A: It represents fertility.
B: It is related to the Sinulog Festival.
C: It is a sign of prosperity.
D: It symbolizes peace.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In Cebu, Philippines, Celosia is an important cultural symbol related to the Sinulog Festival.
44: Which part of Celosia is described as having a spinach-like taste?
A: Flowers
B: Seeds
C: Leaves
D: Roots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia leaves have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste.
45: Who hailed Celosia as the vegetable that “grows like a weed”?
A: A famous botanist
B: A farmer
C: A gardener
D: An agricultural scientist
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A gardener hailed Celosia as the vegetable that “grows like a weed.”
46: What festival honors the Santo Niño in Cebu, Philippines?
A: Kadayawan Festival
B: Sinulog Festival
C: Pahiyas Festival
D: Flores de Mayo
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Sinulog Festival honors the Santo Niño in Cebu, Philippines.
47: What happens when Celosia plants are left to reseed?
A: They fade away.
B: They need to be replanted.
C: New plants come up in the immediate vicinity.
D: They stop growing.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When Celosia plants are left to reseed, new plants come up in the immediate vicinity.
48: What advantage does Celosia have in terms of planting and growth?
A: It requires specialized soil.
B: It is resistant to most garden pests.
C: It only grows in greenhouses.
D: It needs constant care.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia has an advantage as it is resistant to most garden pests.
49: What is the primary method of Celosia propagation?
A: Cuttings
B: Seeds
C: Grafting
D: Division
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The primary method of Celosia propagation is through seeds.
50: What designation was given to the Celosia flower in the Philippines in 2024?
A: National Flower
B: State Flower
C: Official Flower of a Festival
D: Protected Flower
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Celosia flower was designated as the Official Flower of the Sinulog Festival in the Philippines in 2024.
51: How is the Celosia plant beneficial for humid regions?
A: It conserves water.
B: It grows well even in humid and wet conditions.
C: It requires less sunlight.
D: It produces edible seeds.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia grows well even in humid and wet conditions, making it beneficial for such regions.
52: What does the traditional West African diet include due to Celosia’s cultivation?
A: Grains and meat
B: Root vegetables
C: Leafy greens and stews
D: Fruits and legumes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The traditional West African diet includes Celosia as a leafy green vegetable used in stews.
53: What makes Celosia argentea suitable for future cultivation in equatorial regions?
A: Its bright colors
B: Its hardiness in hot climates
C: Its high water requirements
D: Its specific soil needs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia argentea is suitable for future cultivation in equatorial regions due to its hardiness in hot climates.
54: What is the role of Celosia in Nigerian cuisine?
A: Spice
B: Leafy green vegetable
C: Dessert decoration
D: Staple grain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In Nigerian cuisine, Celosia serves as a leafy green vegetable.
55: How are Celosia blossoms typically maintained?
A: Constant fertilization
B: Weekly pruning
C: Moderate soil moisture
D: Minimal sunlight
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia blossoms are typically maintained with moderate soil moisture.
56: What do Celosia inflorescences add to food?
A: A floral aroma
B: A bitter taste
C: Nutrients and texture
D: A sweet flavor
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia inflorescences add nutrients and a soft texture to food.
57: Celosia is known as a foodstuff in which two Asian countries?
A: India and Philippines
B: Indonesia and India
C: Japan and China
D: Thailand and Vietnam
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia is known as a foodstuff in Indonesia and India.
58: During which Philippine festival are Celosia argentea flowers featured prominently?
A: Kadayawan Festival
B: Ati-Atihan Festival
C: Sinulog Festival
D: Pahiyas Festival
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Celosia argentea flowers are featured prominently during the Sinulog Festival in the Philippines.
59: Why might Celosia become a prominent food source in the equatorial zone?
A: High maintenance requirements
B: Ease of growth and minimal care
C: Exclusively an ornamental plant
D: Develops many pest problems
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia might become a prominent food source in the equatorial zone due to its ease of growth and minimal care requirements.
60: What distinguishes Celosia from true cereals?
A: It has smaller seeds.
B: It is a pseudo-cereal.
C: It grows faster.
D: It has a higher yield.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Celosia is distinguished from true cereals by being a pseudo-cereal.