1: What is the common name for Schefflera arboricola?
A: Goose-sole vine
B: Umbrella plant
C: Dwarf umbrella tree
D: Golden Capella
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Schefflera arboricola is commonly known as the Dwarf umbrella tree due to its resemblance to a smaller version of the umbrella tree.
2: Schefflera arboricola belongs to which plant family?
A: Apiales
B: Araliaceae
C: Asterids
D: Eudicots
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Schefflera arboricola is in the family Araliaceae.
3: In what regions is Schefflera arboricola indigenous?
A: Japan and Korea
B: Queensland and New Zealand
C: China and Taiwan
D: Hawaii and Florida
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Schefflera arboricola is native to Hainan Province, China, and Taiwan.
4: How tall can an evergreen shrub of Schefflera arboricola grow?
A: 2-3 meters
B: 4-6 meters
C: 8-9 meters
D: 10-12 meters
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This evergreen shrub can grow to be 8–9 meters tall.
5: During which seasons do Schefflera arboricola flowers typically appear?
A: Spring to early summer
B: Midsummer to early autumn
C: Winter to early spring
D: Late autumn to winter
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flowers appear from midsummer to early autumn.
6: How many leaflets does a typical Schefflera arboricola leaf have?
A: 3-5
B: 7-9
C: 10-12
D: 13-15
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Each leaf is palmately compound with 7-9 leaflets.
7: What is the texture of the upper surface of Schefflera arboricola leaves?
A: Hairy and matte
B: Sticky and fuzzy
C: Shiny and glabrous
D: Rough and scaly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The upper surface of the leaves is shiny and glabrous (smooth).
8: What unique feature do mature Schefflera arboricola plants sometimes have?
A: Aerial roots
B: Blue flowers
C: Serrated edges
D: Thorny stems
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Mature plants can produce aerial roots under the right conditions.
9: Which compound found in Schefflera arboricola makes it toxic to pets?
A: Calcium oxalate crystals
B: Folic acid
C: Glucose
D: Starch
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs.
10: Schefflera arboricola fruits are not edible for humans but may be eaten by which animals?
A: Birds and parrots
B: Cats and dogs
C: Deer and rabbits
D: Fish and amphibians
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The fruits may be consumed by various birds, parrots, and other animals.
11: What lighting conditions does Schefflera arboricola prefer as a houseplant?
A: Direct sunlight
B: Shade
C: Bright indirect light
D: Total darkness
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It prefers bright indirect light but can adapt to various light levels.
12: Which method is common for propagating Schefflera arboricola plants?
A: Grafting
B: Cuttings
C: Seedlings
D: Layering
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The plant can be propagated through cuttings placed in soil or water.
13: Which variety of Schefflera arboricola has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit?
A: Green Wonder
B: Silver King
C: Gold Capella
D: Blue Fantasy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘Gold Capella’ variety has received this award.
14: What can cause root rot in Schefflera arboricola?
A: Overwatering
B: Lack of sunlight
C: Poor air circulation
D: Too much fertilizer
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Allowing the plant to sit in water can cause root rot.
15: In which areas outside of China has Schefflera arboricola naturalized?
A: Australia, Hawaii, Florida
B: Canada, Alaska, Mexico
C: Japan, Korea, Philippines
D: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It has naturalized in places like northern Australia, Hawaii, and Florida.
16: What happens to Schefflera arboricola fruits as they mature?
A: They turn yellow and fall off
B: They become red-violet
C: They stay green and dry out
D: They turn blue and shrivel
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruits start as orange and become red-violet when mature.
17: The petals of the Schefflera arboricola flower are how long?
A: 2.5 mm
B: 5 mm
C: 7.5 mm
D: 10 mm
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The flower’s petals are 2.5 mm long.
18: During which seasons do the fruits of Schefflera arboricola ripen?
A: Early summer to midsummer
B: Late summer to early winter
C: Winter to early spring
D: Spring to early summer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruits ripen from late summer to early winter.
19: Which characteristic is NOT found in young Schefflera arboricola plants?
A: Smaller leaves
B: More leaflets
C: Fewer leaflets
D: Slower growth rate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Young plants have smaller leaves and fewer leaflets.
20: What type of inflorescence does Schefflera arboricola produce?
A: Single flower
B: Spike
C: Panicle of small umbels
D: Raceme
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The plant produces a 20 cm panicle of small umbels.
21: What is the shape of Schefflera arboricola fruits?
A: Spherical oval drupe
B: Flat disk
C: Star-shaped
D: Triangular capsule
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The fruits are an almost spherical oval drupe.
22: Which term refers to the native environment of Schefflera arboricola?
A: Epiphyte
B: Hydrophyte
C: Xerophyte
D: Halophyte
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The plant may cling to the trunks of other trees as an epiphyte.
23: What environmental condition is essential for Schefflera arboricola to produce aerial roots?
A: High growth rate and very high humidity
B: Dry soil and low light
C: Cold temperature and regular pruning
D: Low humidity and high calcium
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: High growth rate, insufficient trunk roots, and constant, very high humidity are needed for aerial roots.
24: What feature identifies the margin of Schefflera arboricola leaflets?
A: Serrated edges
B: Entire margin
C: Lobed edges
D: Wavy edges
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The leaflets have an entire margin.
25: What is one of the primary uses of Schefflera arboricola in gardens?
A: Frost-resistant landscape plant
B: Ornamental bonsai tree
C: Groundcover for shaded areas
D: Border plant for dry areas
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is often used as an ornamental bonsai tree.
26: What is the Chinese name for Schefflera arboricola?
A: 鹅掌藤 (ézhǎng téng)
B: 青葉 (qīng yè)
C: 黃花 (huáng huā)
D: 紅果 (hóng guǒ)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Chinese name is 鹅掌藤 (ézhǎng téng), literally ‘goose-sole vine.’
27: Which part of the Schefflera arboricola plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs?
A: Flowers
B: Leaves
C: Stem
D: All parts
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds.
28: The central rib of each Schefflera arboricola leaflet divides it into how many halves?
A: Two halves
B: Four halves
C: Six halves
D: Eight halves
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The central rib divides each leaflet into two halves.
29: What award has the ‘Gold Capella’ cultivar of Schefflera arboricola won?
A: Best in Show
B: Medal of Plant Excellence
C: Award of Garden Merit
D: Certificate of Horticultural Achievement
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ‘Gold Capella’ cultivar has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
30: What are the visible ribs in Schefflera arboricola leaflets called?
A: Petioles
B: Midribs
C: Veins
D: Stipules
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The visible ribs are considered veins.
31: In which areas of Australia has Schefflera arboricola been noted to significantly compete with native species?
A: Western Australia
B: Queensland
C: Tasmania
D: Victoria
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It has been noted to compete with native species in Queensland.
32: What shape are the flowers of Schefflera arboricola?
A: Cross-shaped
B: Star-shaped
C: Round
D: Radial symmetry
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The flowers have double perianth radial symmetry.
33: Why do older Schefflera arboricola plants often have fewer stipules?
A: They fall off
B: Are pruned away
C: Merge with the petiole
D: Transform into leaves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The stipules merge with the petiole in older plants.
34: Which compound in Schefflera arboricola can cause contact dermatitis in humans?
A: Saponins
B: Flavonoids
C: Tannins
D: Alkaloids
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Saponins are one of the compounds that can cause contact dermatitis.
35: What should be done to prevent root rot when growing Schefflera arboricola indoors?
A: Water daily
B: Place in direct sunlight
C: Allow soil to dry between waterings
D: Use only clay pots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Allowing the soil to dry between waterings prevents root rot.
36: For which type of climate is Schefflera arboricola suitable as a landscape plant?
A: High altitude
B: Desert
C: Milder climates with no severe frost
D: Arctic tundra
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It is grown as a landscape plant in milder climates where frosts are not severe.
37: Which of the following is NOT a method of propagating Schefflera arboricola?
A: Cuttings
B: Grafting
C: Layering
D: Tissue culture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Grafting is not commonly used for propagating Schefflera arboricola.
38: What temperature conditions are best for growing Schefflera arboricola indoors?
A: Very cold
B: Very hot
C: Moderate temperatures
D: Below freezing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Moderate temperatures are best for indoor growth.
39: What is the shape of the base of Schefflera arboricola leaflets?
A: Heart-shaped
B: Wedge-shaped
C: Round
D: Triangular
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The leaflets have a wedge-shaped base.
40: What part of the year do Schefflera arboricola flowers fade away?
A: Early spring
B: Mid-summer
C: Late autumn
D: Winter
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The flowers fade by late autumn.
41: How long is a typical Schefflera arboricola petiole?
A: 2-5 cm
B: 6-8 cm
C: 12-15 cm
D: 20-25 cm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The typical length of a petiole is 12-15 cm.
42: What nutrient should be cautiously managed to avoid overfeeding Schefflera arboricola?
A: Nitrogen
B: Phosphorus
C: Potassium
D: Calcium
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive, weak growth.
43: What special condition does Schefflera arboricola need to develop aerial roots?
A: High light levels
B: Constant watering
C: Very high humidity and a high growth rate
D: Cool temperatures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Very high humidity and a high growth rate are necessary conditions.
44: What type of flowers does Schefflera arboricola produce?
A: Hermaphroditic flowers
B: Male flowers only
C: Female flowers only
D: Sterile flowers
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Schefflera arboricola produces hermaphroditic flowers with both male and female organs.
45: What does the endocarp of the fruit contain?
A: 5 seeds
B: 10 seeds
C: 12 seeds
D: 15 seeds
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The endocarp contains five seeds.
46: Schefflera arboricola can be found growing naturally in which type of regions outside China?
A: Northern, tropical regions
B: Mediterranean regions
C: High altitude regions
D: Sub-Arctic regions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It has naturalized in northern tropical regions like in parts of Australia.
47: Why might someone choose the ‘Gold Capella’ variety for their garden?
A: For its resistance to pests
B: For its bright blue flowers
C: For its attractive variegated foliage
D: For its edible fruit
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ‘Gold Capella’ is chosen for its attractive variegated foliage.
48: Why are Schefflera arboricola leaflets unique?
A: They produce fruit directly
B: Each has a central rib dividing it into two halves
C: They grow back quicker than flowers
D: They are edible
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Each leaflet has a central rib dividing it into two halves.
49: What is one sign of a Schefflera arboricola plant experiencing root rot?
A: Browning leaf tips
B: Yellowing leaves
C: Excessively rapid growth
D: Flower buds falling off
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Yellowing leaves can indicate root rot.
50: Apart from being a decorative plant, what other use does Schefflera arboricola have?
A: Ornamental bonsai
B: Tea production
C: Medicinal purposes
D: Perfume making
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It is often grown as an ornamental bonsai.
51: What can Schefflera arboricola’s toxic compounds cause in cats and dogs?
A: Increased appetite
B: Enhanced coat shine
C: Swelling and difficulty breathing
D: Hyperactivity
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The toxic compounds can cause swelling, burning of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, and itching.
52: Which aspect of the environment does Schefflera arboricola tolerate well?
A: Barren soil
B: Neglect and poor growing conditions
C: Intense heat
D: Lack of light
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is tolerant of neglect and poor growing conditions.
53: What do leaflets of Schefflera arboricola have compared to mature leaves?
A: Flat margins
B: Fewer ribs
C: More stipules
D: Smaller size
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Young plants have smaller leaves and fewer leaflets than mature ones.
54: What kind of light does Schefflera arboricola adapt to indoors?
A: Full sun
B: Low light
C: Bright indirect light
D: Complete darkness
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It adapts well to bright indirect light.
55: What condition must be avoided to ensure proper growth of Schefflera arboricola indoors?
A: Constant dryness
B: Sitting in water
C: Direct sunlight
D: Low humidity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot.
56: What happens to Schefflera arboricola flowers in the fall?
A: They become seeds
B: They drop off
C: They turn blue
D: They re-bloom
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flowers drop off in the fall.
57: What is a key identifying feature of the fruit of Schefflera arboricola when mature?
A: Blue color
B: Red-violet color
C: Black-spotted texture
D: Fragrant aroma
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruit becomes red-violet at maturity.
58: What is one way to propagate Schefflera arboricola?
A: Air layering
B: Seed sowing
C: Tip cuttings
D: Grafting
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It can be propagated through tip cuttings.
59: When do the fruits of Schefflera arboricola ripen?
A: Winter to early spring
B: Late summer to early winter
C: Spring to early summer
D: Mid-summer to late summer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Fruits ripen from late summer to early winter.
60: Which of the following regions has Schefflera arboricola NOT been introduced to?
A: Ryukyu Islands
B: Bermuda
C: Alaska
D: Jamaica
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Schefflera arboricola has not been introduced to Alaska.