1: What is the scientific name for the Rubber plant?
A: Ficus elastica
B: Ficus benjamina
C: Ficus pumila
D: Ficus religiosa
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The scientific name for the Rubber plant is Ficus elastica.
2: In what year was the Rubber plant first validly published under the name Roxb. ex Hornem.?
A: 1819
B: 1832
C: 1814
D: 1929
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant was first validly published as Roxb. ex Hornem. in 1819.
3: Which family does the Rubber plant belong to?
A: Moraceae
B: Rosaceae
C: Fabaceae
D: Asteraceae
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant belongs to the family Moraceae.
4: Where is the Rubber plant native to?
A: South and Southeast Asia
B: Europe
C: North America
D: Australia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant is native to eastern parts of South and Southeast Asia.
5: What is unique about the pollination of the Rubber plant’s flowers?
A: It requires a specific species of fig wasp.
B: It does not need pollination.
C: It relies on wind for pollination.
D: It uses vibrant flowers to attract bees.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant’s flowers require a particular species of fig wasp to pollinate them.
6: How tall can the Rubber plant grow in optimal conditions?
A: Up to 60 meters (195 feet)
B: Up to 20 meters (65 feet)
C: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
D: Up to 5 meters (16 feet)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant can grow up to 60 meters (195 feet) tall in optimal conditions.
7: What is the latex of the Rubber plant known to be?
A: An irritant to eyes and skin
B: A key sugar source
C: Completely non-toxic
D: A common food additive
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The latex of the Rubber plant is an irritant to the eyes and skin and toxic if ingested.
8: Where have people traditionally used Rubber plant aerial roots to form living bridges?
A: Meghalaya, India
B: Tokyo, Japan
C: Cairo, Egypt
D: Madrid, Spain
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In Meghalaya, India, people weave the aerial roots of Rubber plants to form living bridges.
9: What type of environment does the Rubber plant prefer for cultivation?
A: Bright sunlight with high humidity
B: Deep shade with dry air
C: Cold and wet conditions
D: Arid and windy climates
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants prefer bright sunlight and high humidity for optimal growth.
10: How is most cultivated Rubber plant propagated?
A: By vegetative propagation
B: By seed dispersal
C: By grafting
D: By natural dropping of fruits
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Most Rubber plants are propagated by vegetative methods such as cuttings or layering.
11: What is the diameter of the Rubber plant’s trunk?
A: Up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in)
B: Up to 4 meters (13 ft)
C: Up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in)
D: Up to 3 meters (9 ft 10 in)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The trunk of the Rubber plant can develop a diameter of up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in).
12: What are the edible characteristics of the Rubber plant’s fruit?
A: Barely edible small yellow-green figs
B: Large and highly nutritious berries
C: Delicious and commonly eaten apples
D: Non-edible poisonous fruits
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant produces small yellow-green figs that are barely edible.
13: Which subgenus does the Rubber plant belong to?
A: F. subg. Urostigma
B: F. subg. Sycidium
C: F. subg. Ficus
D: F. subg. Sycomorus
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant belongs to the subgenus F. subg. Urostigma.
14: What kind of roots help support the heavy branches of the Rubber plant?
A: Aerial and buttressing roots
B: Taproots
C: Fibrous roots
D: Lateral roots
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Aerial and buttressing roots help support the heavy branches of the Rubber plant.
15: How do Rubber plants handle light frosts?
A: They tolerate them.
B: They perish immediately.
C: They thrive in frosts.
D: They require frost to grow.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants can tolerate light frosts.
16: What is one common ornamental hybrid of the Rubber plant?
A: Robusta
B: Lubra
C: Petunia
D: Flexor
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Robusta is a common ornamental hybrid of the Rubber plant with broader, stiffer leaves.
17: What is the main commercial source of latex for rubber making?
A: Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
B: Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
C: Maple tree
D: Pine tree
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the main commercial source of latex for rubber making.
18: In what regions outside of Asia has the Rubber plant become naturalized?
A: Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and the US state of Florida
B: Antarctica and Greenland
C: Siberia and Alaska
D: Scotland and Norway
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant has become naturalized in Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and the US state of Florida.
19: What feature is distinctive on young Rubber plants compared to older ones?
A: Larger leaf size
B: Smaller leaf size
C: Golden trunk
D: Fragrant flowers
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Young Rubber plants have larger leaves compared to older ones.
20: What is required for the Rubber plant to produce fertile seeds?
A: Presence of the specific fig wasp
B: Excessive watering
C: Minimal sunlight
D: Special fertilizers
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Fertile seeds in Rubber plants occur only where the specific fig wasp is present.
21: Where can Rubber plants be found in Europe?
A: Mediterranean Basin
B: Scandinavian Peninsula
C: British Isles
D: Caucasus region
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants can be found in mild locations throughout the Mediterranean Basin in Europe.
22: How is the latex in Rubber plants carried and stored?
A: In different cells from the sap
B: With the plant’s sap
C: In special vascular bundles
D: In external bark layers only
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Latex in Rubber plants is carried and stored in different cells from the sap.
23: What should be done to reduce the irritant nature of Rubber plant latex when handling the plant?
A: Use gloves and eye protection
B: Apply fertilizers before handling
C: Only handle the plant at night
D: Avoid watering the plant
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Gloves and eye protection are recommended when handling the Rubber plant to avoid the irritant latex.
24: What is the geographical range of the Rubber plant in China?
A: Yunnan
B: Fujian
C: Hainan
D: Tibet
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant can be found in the Yunnan region of China.
25: What is a popular use for Rubber plants in non-tropical regions?
A: As indoor houseplants
B: As street trees
C: As edible garden plants
D: As agricultural crops
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants are popular as indoor houseplants in non-tropical regions.
26: What is the purpose of the sheath that develops on Rubber plant leaves?
A: Protects the developing leaf
B: Stores water
C: Acts as a flower structure
D: Attracts pollinators
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The sheath on Rubber plant leaves protects the developing leaf until it is ready to unfurl.
27: What is one of the regions in India where Rubber plants are used to create living bridges?
A: Meghalaya
B: Gujarat
C: Punjab
D: Kerala
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Living bridges made from the aerial roots of Rubber plants can be found in Meghalaya, India.
28: What color are the fruits of the Rubber plant?
A: Yellow-green
B: Red
C: Purple
D: Blue
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The fruits of the Rubber plant are yellow-green.
29: What other name is commonly used for the Rubber plant?
A: Indian rubber tree
B: Banana tree
C: Coconut palm
D: Sycamore fig
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant is also commonly known as the Indian rubber tree.
30: What kind of climate is suitable for growing Rubber plants outdoors?
A: Frost-free climates
B: Extremely cold climates
C: Desert climates
D: Alpine climates
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants are suitable for growing outdoors in frost-free climates.
31: What condition does the Rubber plant generally not tolerate well?
A: Heavy frosts
B: High rainfall
C: Low humidity
D: Sandy soil
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant does not tolerate heavy frosts well.
32: What is an alternative genus name for the Rubber plant?
A: Macrophthalma elastica
B: Ulmus glabra
C: Quercus alba
D: Pinus taeda
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: An alternative genus name for the Rubber plant is Macrophthalma elastica.
33: What happens to the sheath covering a new Rubber plant leaf when it matures?
A: It drops off the plant
B: It becomes part of the leaf
C: It turns into a flower
D: It attracts insects
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When the new leaf matures, the sheath drops off the plant.
34: How long do Rubber plant leaves grow on young plants?
A: Up to 45 cm (17+1⁄2 in)
B: Up to 10 cm (4 in)
C: Up to 5 cm (2 in)
D: Up to 20 cm (8 in)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The leaves on young Rubber plants can grow up to 45 cm (17+1⁄2 in) long.
35: Which region in China is included in the natural range of Rubber plants?
A: Yunnan
B: Beijing
C: Shanghai
D: Tibet
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Yunnan region in China is part of the natural range of Rubber plants.
36: What are living bridges made from in Meghalaya, India?
A: Aerial roots of Rubber plants
B: Wooden planks
C: Metal beams
D: Rope and bamboo
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Living bridges in Meghalaya, India are made from the aerial roots of Rubber plants.
37: How does the Rubber plant cope with drought conditions?
A: It has a high tolerance but prefers humidity.
B: It dies quickly.
C: It produces extra flowers.
D: It loses all its leaves.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant has a high tolerance for drought but prefers humid conditions.
38: What is the flower structure of the Rubber plant designed for?
A: Pollination by a specific species of fig wasp
B: Attracting hummingbirds
C: Withstanding strong winds
D: Growing in salty environments
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The flower structure of the Rubber plant is designed for pollination by a specific fig wasp.
39: What is an important characteristic of Rubber plant hybrids like Robusta?
A: Broader, stiffer, and more upright leaves
B: Smaller flowers
C: Taller growth height
D: Narrow, elongated leaves
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plant hybrids like Robusta have broader, stiffer, and more upright leaves.
40: What is the Rubber plant’s scientific classification order?
A: Rosales
B: Fagales
C: Lamiales
D: Fabales
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant is classified under the order Rosales.
41: How does the Rubber plant’s latex differ from that of the Pará rubber tree?
A: It is not economically viable for rubber production.
B: It is more toxic.
C: It is sweeter in taste.
D: It is less sticky.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Unlike Pará rubber tree latex, the Rubber plant’s latex is not economically or technically viable for rubber production.
42: How long is the fruit of the Rubber plant?
A: 1 cm (1/2 in)
B: 5 cm (2 in)
C: 10 cm (4 in)
D: 15 cm (6 in)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The fruit of the Rubber plant is small, measuring about 1 cm (1/2 in) long.
43: What type of fruits does the Rubber plant produce?
A: Small, barely edible figs
B: Large, juicy berries
C: Hard, inedible nuts
D: Sweet, edible apples
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant produces small, barely edible figs.
44: Which state in the US has the Rubber plant naturalized?
A: Florida
B: California
C: Texas
D: New York
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant has become naturalized in the US state of Florida.
45: In which habitat can Rubber plants tolerate growing?
A: Wet, tropical conditions
B: Dry, desert conditions
C: High Alpine regions
D: Saline coastal areas
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants thrive in wet, tropical conditions.
46: Why are the flowers of the Rubber plant not highly colorful or fragrant?
A: They rely on specific fig wasps for pollination.
B: The plant does not produce flowers.
C: Flowers are buried underground.
D: Plant relies on birds for pollination.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plant flowers are not highly colorful or fragrant as they rely on specific fig wasps for pollination.
47: Which region in India is known for using aerial roots of Rubber plants for practical purposes?
A: Meghalaya
B: Rajasthan
C: Karnataka
D: Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Meghalaya region in India is known for using aerial roots of Rubber plants to create living bridges.
48: What is one non-native region where the Rubber plant has become widespread?
A: Hawaii
B: Alaska
C: Italy
D: Quebec
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant has become widespread in non-native regions such as Hawaii.
49: What region does the Rubber plant not naturally cover?
A: Arctic regions
B: Nepal
C: Myanmar
D: Northeastern India
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The natural range of the Rubber plant does not include Arctic regions.
50: What is the toxin in the Rubber plant latex apart from being an irritant?
A: Toxic if taken internally
B: A deadly poison on contact
C: A powerful hallucinogen
D: Harmless to all species
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The latex in the Rubber plant is toxic if taken internally apart from being an irritant.
51: Which part of the Rubber plant is unsuitable for rubber production compared to Hevea brasiliensis?
A: Latex
B: Roots
C: Leaves
D: Flowers
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The latex of the Rubber plant is unsuitable for rubber production compared to Hevea brasiliensis.
52: How are most cultivated Rubber plants produced?
A: By cuttings or layering
B: By seed germination
C: By tissue culture
D: By grafting onto other plants
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Most cultivated Rubber plants are produced through cuttings or layering.
53: In what conditions do Rubber plants thrive best?
A: Bright sunlight with high humidity
B: Deep shade and arid environments
C: Cold and salty water habitats
D: Dry, desert-like conditions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants thrive in bright sunlight with high humidity.
54: What makes the Rubber plant distinctive when used as an ornamental plant?
A: Its broad shiny oval leaves
B: Its small purple flowers
C: Its wide-reaching tendrils
D: Its strong fragrance
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rubber plants are distinctive as ornamental plants due to their broad shiny oval leaves.
55: What feature do the leaves of wild Rubber plants often exhibit?
A: Variations in size depending on the plant’s age
B: Constant leaf size throughout the plant’s life
C: Bright red color
D: Needle-like structure
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The leaves of wild Rubber plants show variations in size depending on the plant’s age.
56: Which part of the Rubber plant helps support it in the soil?
A: Buttressing roots
B: Thin lateral roots
C: Flowering nodes
D: Leaves
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The buttressing roots of the Rubber plant help support it in the soil.
57: How are the fruits of the Rubber plant classified in terms of edibility?
A: Barely edible
B: Rich and sweet
C: Sour and inedible
D: Highly poisonous
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The fruits of the Rubber plant are classified as barely edible.
58: What makes the Rubber plant an attractive option for indoor cultivation?
A: Its tolerance for low light and attractive broad leaves
B: Its need for little to no water
C: Its large and fragrant flowers
D: Its ability to repel insects
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Rubber plant’s tolerance for low light and attractive broad leaves make it a good option for indoor cultivation.
59: Where is the Rubber plant not known to produce fertile seeds naturally due to the absence of the specific fig wasp?
A: Hawaii
B: Sri Lanka
C: Florida
D: Eastern India
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In Hawaii, the Rubber plant does not produce fertile seeds naturally due to the absence of the specific fig wasp.
60: What regions include the Rubber plant’s natural habitat?
A: Nepal to Indonesia, including Yunnan in China
B: Russia to Africa
C: Brazil to Argentina
D: Canada to Mexico
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The natural habitat of the Rubber plant spans from Nepal to Indonesia, including Yunnan in China.