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Cyclamen Trivia Questions and Answers

Jessmyn Solana · 6 min read ·
  1. Cyclamen belongs to which plant family?
    A: Rosaceae
    B: Primulaceae
    C: Liliaceae
    D: Asteraceae
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen is part of the Primulaceae family.
  2. What is the common English name for Cyclamen?
    A: Morning Glory
    B: Pansy
    C: Sowbread
    D: Daisy
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: In English, Cyclamen is commonly known as Sowbread.
  3. Cyclamen primarily grows from which structure?
    A: Seeds
    B: Tubers
    C: Bulbs
    D: Rhizomes
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen plants grow from tubers, which store nutrients and water.
  4. How many species of Cyclamen are there?
    A: 10
    B: 15
    C: 23
    D: 30
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: There are approximately 23 species of Cyclamen.
  5. Cyclamen persicum is commonly sold by whom?
    A: Farmers
    B: Florists
    C: Chefs
    D: Pharmacists
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen persicum is commonly sold by florists.
  6. What climate do most Cyclamen species originate from?
    A: Tropical
    B: Mediterranean
    C: Arctic
    D: Desert
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Most Cyclamen species originate from the Mediterranean region.
  7. What season do Cyclamen hederifolium typically bloom?
    A: Spring
    B: Summer
    C: Autumn
    D: Winter
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium typically blooms in autumn.
  8. What part of the Cyclamen plant was historically considered an amulet?
    A: Leaves
    B: Flowers
    C: Tuber
    D: Stem
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The tuber of Cyclamen was historically considered an amulet to ward off evil spells.
  9. Cyclamen flowers have how many petals?
    A: Three
    B: Four
    C: Five
    D: Six
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers typically have five petals.
  10. Which species of Cyclamen is known for its heart-shaped leaves?
    A: Cyclamen coum
    B: Cyclamen hederifolium
    C: Cyclamen persicum
    D: Cyclamen graecum
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen persicum is known for its heart-shaped leaves.
  11. Which Cyclamen species have nearly round leaves?
    A: Cyclamen hederifolium
    B: Cyclamen coum
    C: Cyclamen graecum
    D: Cyclamen persicum
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen coum has nearly round leaves.
  12. What color can the lower side of Cyclamen leaves be?
    A: Yellow
    B: Green
    C: Purple
    D: Blue
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The lower side of Cyclamen leaves can be purple.
  13. Cyclamen seeds are primarily dispersed by which animals?
    A: Birds
    B: Ants
    C: Bees
    D: Butterflies
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen seeds are primarily dispersed by ants, which eat the sticky covering and discard the seeds.
  14. During which season do Cyclamen plants usually go dormant?
    A: Winter
    B: Spring
    C: Summer
    D: Autumn
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen plants typically go dormant during the dry Mediterranean summer.
  15. In what type of climate are Cyclamen species most hardy?
    A: Tropical climates
    B: Arid climates
    C: Alpine climates
    D: Mediterranean climates
    Correct Answer: D
    Explanation: Cyclamen species are most hardy in Mediterranean climates.
  16. Cyclamen hederifolium can tolerate temperatures down to what?
    A: 0°C (32°F)
    B: -10°C (14°F)
    C: -20°C (-4°F)
    D: -30°C (-22°F)
    Correct Answer: D
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).
  17. Which Cyclamen species is known to have ‘auricles’ on its petals?
    A: Cyclamen persicum
    B: Cyclamen hederifolium
    C: Cyclamen coum
    D: Cyclamen graecum
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium often has auricles on its petals (curved petal edges at the nose).
  18. What unique trait is associated with the leaves of Cyclamen hederifolium?
    A: Round shape
    B: Heart shape
    C: Ivy-like shape
    D: Almond shape
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium has leaves shaped like ivy, with angles and lobes.
  19. How are Cyclamen flowers typically oriented on their stems?
    A: Facing upwards
    B: Facing sideways
    C: Facing downwards
    D: Spiraling around the stem
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers are typically bent so that the nose of the flower faces downwards.
  20. Cyclamen repandum typically blooms in which season?
    A: Spring
    B: Summer
    C: Autumn
    D: Winter
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen repandum typically blooms in spring.
  21. Cyclamen purpurascens is a species where the leaves remain through which season?
    A: Autumn
    B: Winter
    C: Summer
    D: Spring
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen purpurascens has leaves that remain through the summer and wither after the next year’s leaves have developed.
  22. Which color is NOT found in Cyclamen flowers?
    A: White
    B: Pink
    C: Blue
    D: Purple
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers come in white, pink or purple, but not blue.
  23. What part of the Cyclamen plant is commonly used for propagation?
    A: Seeds
    B: Leaves
    C: Flowers
    D: Tubers
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen plants can be propagated from seeds.
  24. Cyclamen graecum is native to which geographic region?
    A: South America
    B: Australia
    C: Europe
    D: Africa
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen graecum is native to Europe, specifically Mediterranean regions.
  25. Cyclamen hederifolium is also known by what seasonal name?
    A: Spring Cyclamen
    B: Summer Cyclamen
    C: Autumn Crocus
    D: Winter Cyclamen
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium is also known as the Autumn Crocus due to its blooming season.
  26. The roots of Cyclamen graecum are adapted for what purpose?
    A: Storing water
    B: Anchoring the plant
    C: Photosynthesis
    D: Nutrient storage
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen graecum has thick anchor roots that help stabilize the plant.
  27. Under which conditions are Cyclamen persicum best kept indoors?
    A: High humidity
    B: Constant frost
    C: Below 20°C (68°F)
    D: Direct sunlight
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: While flowering indoors, Cyclamen persicum should be kept below 20°C (68°F).
  28. Cyclamen species that tolerate frost down to -20°C are described as what?
    A: Frost-tender
    B: Frost-hardy
    C: Subtropical
    D: Tropical
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen species that tolerate frost down to -20°C are considered frost-hardy.
  29. How are Cyclamen leaves and flowers distributed on the plant?
    A: Clustered at the base
    B: Sprout from growing points on the tuber
    C: Spirally arranged on the stem
    D: Randomly scattered
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Leaves and flowers sprout from growing points on the top of the tuber.
  30. Cyclamen leaves typically appear in which season?
    A: Summer
    B: Autumn
    C: Winter
    D: Spring
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen leaves typically appear in autumn, grow through winter, and wither in spring.
  31. What type of roots do Cyclamen persicum have?
    A: Roots from the top
    B: Roots from the side
    C: Roots from the bottom
    D: Roots from any part
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen persicum roots primarily grow from the bottom of the tuber.
  32. Which floral feature do Cyclamen and shooting stars (Primula sect. Dodecatheon) share?
    A: Long stamens protruding from the corolla
    B: Tubular flowers
    C: No visible stamens
    D: Round flowers
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen rohlfsianum has stamens that prominently stick out, like shooting stars.
  33. Cyclamen distributions are mainly studied to understand what?
    A: Climate change effects
    B: Flower arrangement
    C: Leaf color
    D: Seed dispersal
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen distribution studies aim to understand the effects of climate change.
  34. Cyclamen has been traditionally used as what in various cultures?
    A: Food seasoning
    B: Love-charms
    C: Medicine for colds
    D: Dyeing fabric
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen has been used as love-charms and aphrodisiacs in various cultures.
  35. The flower stem of Cyclamen hederifolium does what when fruit forms?
    A: Stays upright
    B: Coils from the end
    C: Arches upwards
    D: Becomes woody
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The stems of Cyclamen hederifolium coil starting at the end when fruit begins to form.
  36. Cyclamen species that form round pods as fruit are known to have what type of fruit?
    A: Capsules
    B: Berries
    C: Nuts
    D: Drupes
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen produces round capsules that contain numerous seeds.
  37. Cyclamen plants are part of which clade?
    A: Gymnosperms
    B: Angiosperms
    C: Lycopods
    D: Mangroves
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen plants belong to the Angiosperms clade.
  38. Cyclamen leaves are often mistaken for which plant’s leaves?
    A: Maple
    B: Ivy
    C: Oak
    D: Pine
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen repandum have leaves that resemble ivy.
  39. Cyclamen leaves with silver variegation are usually selected for what?
    A: Edibility
    B: Ornamental use
    C: Wood production
    D: Flower arrangement
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen with silver variegation in their leaves are often selected for ornamental use.
  40. Cyclamen has how many sepals?
    A: Four
    B: Five
    C: Six
    D: Eight
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers typically have five sepals behind the cup.
  41. Pliny the Elder described Cyclamen in antiquity with which names?
    A: Panis sericanus and amuleta
    B: Tuber terrae and amuletum
    C: Arbor magna and flos grandis
    D: Petalum dulce and herba mirabilis
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Pliny the Elder described Cyclamen as tūber terrae (earth truffle) or amulētum (amulet).
  42. What distinctive pattern can be found on Cyclamen leaves?
    A: Zigzag pattern
    B: Circular spots
    C: Christmas tree pattern
    D: Stripes
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen leaves can have a Christmas tree pattern in their variegation.
  43. Reference to Cyclamen as a ‘circle’ is due to what part of the plant?
    A: Flower
    B: Leaf
    C: Tuber
    D: Root
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen derived its name from the Greek word for ‘circle’ due to the round shape of its tuber.
  44. Cyclamen plants are part of which order?
    A: Ranunculales
    B: Ericales
    C: Fabales
    D: Lamiales
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen plants are classified under the order Ericales.
  45. Cyclamen species in Clade D include which one?
    A: Cyclamen graecum
    B: Cyclamen purpurascens
    C: Cyclamen hederifolium
    D: Cyclamen coum
    Correct Answer: D
    Explanation: Cyclamen coum is part of Clade D according to certain phylogenies.
  46. Which planted area of cultivation prefers Cyclamen hederifolium?
    A: Desert landscapes
    B: Alpine rock gardens
    C: Tropical rainforests
    D: Aquatic environments
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen hederifolium is hardy and often cultivated in alpine rock gardens.
  47. How many petals are Cyclamen flowers known to have?
    A: Three
    B: Four
    C: Five
    D: Six
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers generally have five petals.
  48. Cyclamen species have been used historically for what, besides ornamentation?
    A: Medicinal herbs
    B: Firewood
    C: Livestock feed
    D: Building material
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: In history, Cyclamen has been considered for medicinal uses despite its toxicity.
  49. Cyclamen tubers develop from which part?
    A: Roots
    B: Hypocotyl
    C: Stems
    D: Flowers
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: The tuber develops from the hypocotyl, the part below the seed leaves and the root.
  50. What unique botanical feature does Cyclamen purpurascens have regarding its leaves?
    A: Evergreen
    B: Deciduous
    C: Only appear in winter
    D: Change color according to the season
    Correct Answer: A
    Explanation: Cyclamen purpurascens is evergreen, with leaves that remain year-round.
  51. Cyclamen flowers are most commonly found in which months?
    A: January to March
    B: April to June
    C: July to September
    D: October to December
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Different species of Cyclamen have different blooming periods, ranging throughout the year.
  52. What is one historical use of Cyclamen in European traditions?
    A: Used in cooking
    B: Weaved into clothing
    C: Placed under pillows as love charms
    D: Fed to livestock
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen was historically used in love charms and placed under pillows.
  53. Cyclamen repandum has what type of leaf margin?
    A: Smooth
    B: Finely toothed
    C: Wavy
    D: Serrated
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen repandum usually has finely toothed leaf margins.
  54. The Cyclamen Society recognizes how many registered cultivars?
    A: 50
    B: 75
    C: Over 100
    D: 125
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The Cyclamen Society recognizes over 100 registered cultivars.
  55. Cyclamen have different patterns of leaf variegation, often selected for what?
    A: Medicinal uses
    B: Edible properties
    C: Aesthetic value
    D: Fragrance
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen is often selected for its aesthetic leaf variegation patterns.
  56. What part of Cyclamen plants is toxic if ingested?
    A: Leaves
    B: Flowers
    C: Tubers
    D: Stems
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: The tuber of Cyclamen plants is toxic if ingested.
  57. Cyclamen persicum prefers what kind of soil to thrive best in pots?
    A: Clay
    B: Sandy
    C: Well-draining potting mix
    D: Heavy loam
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen persicum thrives best in well-draining potting mix.
  58. Cyclamen is closely related to which other genus in the same family?
    A: Iris
    B: Primula
    C: Helianthus
    D: Rosa
    Correct Answer: B
    Explanation: Cyclamen is closely related to the genus Primula within the Primulaceae family.
  59. How is the shape of Cyclamen flowers best described?
    A: Bell-shaped
    B: Star-shaped
    C: Upswept petals
    D: Tubular
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen flowers are characterized by their upswept petals.
  60. Cyclamen coum is noted for its tolerance to what environmental factor?
    A: Extreme heat
    B: High humidity
    C: Frost
    D: Drought
    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: Cyclamen coum is noted for its frost tolerance, making it suitable for colder climates.
Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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