1: In which plant family is the genus Sedum classified?
A: Rosaceae
B: Crassulaceae
C: Fabaceae
D: Asteraceae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes succulent plants known as stonecrops.
2: How many species are estimated to be in the genus Sedum?
A: 100-200
B: 300-400
C: 400-500
D: 500-600
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Though initially estimated to contain up to 600 species, the genus Sedum has been refined to include around 400-500 species.
3: Sedum plants are primarily found in which hemisphere?
A: Eastern Hemisphere
B: Western Hemisphere
C: Southern Hemisphere
D: Northern Hemisphere
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum species are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere but can also extend into the Southern Hemisphere.
4: What kind of leaves do Sedum plants have?
A: Water-storing
B: Needle-like
C: Spiny
D: Broad and flat
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum plants have succulent leaves that store water, which helps them thrive in arid conditions.
5: Which part of Sedum fractionally matches the number of petals?
A: Sepals
B: Leaves
C: Stamens
D: Roots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum flowers usually have five petals and twice as many stamens. For example, flowers with five petals typically have ten stamens.
6: Which well-known European species of Sedum is also known as Sedum reflexum?
A: Sedum album
B: Sedum dasyphyllum
C: Sedum acre
D: Sedum rupestre
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum reflexum, also known as Sedum rupestre, is a well-known European species.
7: Who first formally described the genus Sedum in 1753?
A: Charles Darwin
B: Carl Linnaeus
C: Gregor Mendel
D: Alexander von Humboldt
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Carl Linnaeus first formally described the genus Sedum in 1753.
8: Sedum acre is part of which subgenus?
A: Pachysedum
B: Telmissa
C: Gormania
D: Sedum
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum acre is part of the subgenus Sedum.
9: Which type of growth form can Sedum plants exhibit?
A: Climbing vines
B: Water lilies
C: Shrubs
D: Trees
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum plants can vary from annual herbs to creeping or upright shrubs.
10: Which clade within the Sempervivoideae subfamily contains Sedum?
A: Rhodiola
B: Aeonium
C: Telephieae
D: Leucosedum
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Leucosedum clade within the Sempervivoideae subfamily contains species of Sedum.
11: What is a common use for Sedum in urban environments?
A: Balcony railings
B: Street lamps
C: Living roofs
D: Garden statues
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum is commonly used for living roofs due to its hardiness and low maintenance.
12: What is the common name for Sedum acre?
A: Biting stonecrop
B: Spreading stonecrop
C: Sky stonecrop
D: Reflexed stonecrop
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum acre is commonly known as Biting stonecrop.
13: What characteristic is commonly used to classify Sedum species taxonomically?
A: Root length
B: Plant height
C: Leaf color
D: Chromosome number
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Chromosome number is an important taxonomic feature for classifying Sedum species.
14: Which butterfly species relies on Sedum spathulifolium as a host plant?
A: Monarch butterfly
B: Grey chi moth
C: San Bruno elfin butterfly
D: Swallowtail butterfly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum spathulifolium is the host plant of the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly.
15: What is the toxic component found in Sedum acre that gives it an acrid taste?
A: Piperidine alkaloids
B: Cyanogenic glycosides
C: Cardiac glycosides
D: Tannins
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum acre contains piperidine alkaloids, which give it a sharp, peppery, and acrid taste.
16: Which Sedum species is occasionally used as a salad leaf or herb in Europe?
A: Sedum rubrotinctum
B: Sedum reflexum
C: Sedum dasyphyllum
D: Sedum dendroideum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum reflexum is occasionally used as a salad leaf or herb in Europe, known for its astringent sour taste.
17: Which Sedum cultivar has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit?
A: Sedum divergens
B: Sedum lineare
C: ‘Autumn Joy’
D: Sedum spurium
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The hybrid cultivar ‘Autumn Joy’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
18: Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan Truck Plant uses how much Sedum for its living roof?
A: 75,000 square feet
B: 292,000 square feet
C: 454,000 square feet
D: 242,000 square feet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan Truck Plant uses 454,000 square feet of Sedum for its living roof.
19: Sedum series Rupestria is native to which region?
A: North America
B: Asia
C: Europe
D: Africa
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum series Rupestria, including species like Sedum rupestre, is native to Europe.
20: How are Sedum plants typically germinated for green roofs?
A: Seedlings
B: Cuttings
C: Seeds
D: Tubers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum plants are often propagated using cuttings, making them ideal for green roof applications.
21: Which species is known as Sedum hispanicum?
A: Sedum album
B: Sedum reflexum
C: Sedum acre
D: Sedum dasyphyllum
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum hispanicum, or Corsican stonecrop, is listed as one of the well-known European species of Sedum.
22: What adaptation helps Sedum plants survive in arid conditions?
A: Deep roots
B: Water-storing leaves
C: Wax-coated stems
D: Epiphytic growth
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum plants survive arid conditions thanks to their water-storing succulent leaves.
23: Linnaeus categorized the initial Sedum species into how many groups based on leaf morphology?
A: Two
B: Three
C: Four
D: Five
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Linnaeus initially divided the Sedum species into two groups: Planifolia and Teretifolia, based on leaf morphology.
24: In which major city does the Javits Center feature a Sedum-covered roof?
A: Los Angeles
B: Chicago
C: New York City
D: Miami
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Javits Center in New York City has 292,000 square feet of roof covered in Sedum.
25: What notable feature is common in most Sedum flowers?
A: Three petals
B: Four sepals
C: Five petals
D: Six stamens
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most Sedum flowers typically have five petals, although they can sometimes have four or six.
26: Which subfamily of the Crassulaceae family is Sedum placed in, based on molecular phylogenetics?
A: Sedoideae
B: Kalanchoideae
C: Sempervivoideae
D: Crassuloideae
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Based on molecular phylogenetics, Sedum is placed in the subfamily Sempervivoideae.
27: Sedum can be used between tracks in tramways for what purpose?
A: Noise reduction
B: Air purification
C: Pest control
D: Power generation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Planting Sedum between tramway tracks acts as a low-maintenance solution for noise reduction and aesthetics.
28: Sedum species are commonly known by what other name?
A: Gorse
B: Daisies
C: Stonecrops
D: Hawthorns
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Members of the genus Sedum are commonly known as stonecrops.
29: Which Sedum species is part of the section Pachysedum?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum burito
C: Sedum rupestre
D: Sedum spurium
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum burito is a species within the section Pachysedum.
30: In addition to ornamental uses, Sedum can also serve what vital role in an ecosystem?
A: Water purification
B: Host plants for butterflies
C: Fuel production
D: Soil detoxification
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum serves as host plants for the larvae of several butterfly species, playing a crucial role in their lifecycle.
31: Which plant has leaves that turn red as the season progresses, growing no higher than 5–10 cm in the shallow soil of the Levant?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum album
C: Sedum microcarpum
D: Sedum reflexum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum microcarpum covers the stony ground like a carpet and its leaves turn red with the progression of the season.
32: Which Sedum species is native to N. America and serves as a host plant for Parnassius smintheus?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum crassulaceae
C: Sedum spathulifolium
D: Sedum lanceolatum
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum lanceolatum serves as the host plant of the more common Parnassius smintheus found in the Rocky Mountains.
33: What does the genus name “Sedum” refer to?
A: Slim stems
B: Stone plants
C: Water-resistant leaves
D: Sweet aroma
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The genus name “Sedum” refers to the stone-like appearance of these succulent plants, often found growing on rocky outcrops.
34: How many petals do most Sedum flowers usually have?
A: Three
B: Four
C: Five
D: Six
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Most Sedum flowers typically have five petals.
35: Which European Sedum species is also recognized for its attractive blue-gray leaves?
A: Sedum album
B: Sedum acre
C: Sedum dasyphyllum
D: Sedum hispanicum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum dasyphyllum is recognized for its attractive blue-gray leaves.
36: What is a primary threat for which many Sedum species are cultivated as ornamental plants?
A: Cold intolerance
B: Drought resistance
C: Pest infestation
D: Shade intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Many Sedum species are cultivated for their drought resistance, making them ornamental favorites.
37: Which Sedum species is embedded within the Aeonieae clade?
A: Sedum reflexum
B: Sedum acre
C: Sedum pubescens
D: Sedum dasyphyllum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum series Pubescens, including Sedum pubescens, falls within the Aeonieae clade.
38: Name one Sedum series that has a Mediterranean distribution.
A: Series Telmissa
B: Series Leucosedum
C: Series Americana
D: Series Ruggeda
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Series such as Sedum series Telmissa have a Mediterranean distribution.
39: Aichryson and Aeonium genera are embedded within which Sedum series?
A: Series Monanthoidea
B: Series Caerulea
C: Series Rupestria
D: Series Brevifolia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Aichryson and Aeonium genera are embedded within Sedum series Monanthoidea.
40: Which species of Sedum has piperidine alkaloids and is somewhat toxic?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum album
C: Sedum dasyphyllum
D: Sedum reflexum
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum acre has piperidine alkaloids that make it somewhat toxic and give it a sharp taste.
41: The butterfly Callophrys xami uses which species of Sedum as host plants?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum allantoides
C: Sedum hispanicum
D: Sedum reflexum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The butterfly Callophrys xami uses species like Sedum allantoides as host plants.
42: Which Sedum variety is known for its attractive appearance and hardiness, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit?
A: Sedum reflexum
B: ‘Matrona’
C: Sedum rubrotinctum
D: Sedum acre
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The variety ‘Matrona’ is known for its attractive appearance and hardiness and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
43: What is a notable ecological role of Sedum plants besides serving as ornamental plants?
A: Carbon sequestration
B: Freshwater purification
C: Soil erosion control
D: Host plants for Lepidoptera larvae
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sedum plants serve as host plants for Lepidoptera larvae, including various butterfly species.
44: Which Sedum leaf is known for its astringent, sour taste when used in salads?
A: Sedum rubrotinctum
B: Sedum reflexum
C: Sedum acre
D: Sedum lineare
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum reflexum, also called prickmadam, has a slightly astringent, sour taste, making it a unique addition to salads.
45: Which clade is the primary grouping for the genus Sedum within the modern classification?
A: Aeonieae
B: Telephieae
C: Sedeae
D: Umbiliceae
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The genus Sedum is primarily grouped within the clade Sedeae in modern classification.
46: Which Sedum plant species native to the Nass Valley of British Columbia is used by the Haida and Nisga’a people as a salad herb?
A: Sedum divergens
B: Sedum acre
C: Sedum album
D: Sedum hispanicum
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum divergens, known as “spreading stonecrop,” is used by the Haida and Nisga’a people as a salad herb in the Nass Valley of British Columbia.
47: Nintendo of America’s roof is covered in how much Sedum?
A: 292,000 square feet
B: 242,000 square feet
C: 75,000 square feet
D: 50,000 square feet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Nintendo of America’s roof features 75,000 square feet of Sedum.
48: The San Bruno elfin butterfly, an endangered species, relies on which Sedum plant?
A: Sedum reflexum
B: Sedum spathulifolium
C: Sedum acre
D: Sedum album
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly relies on Sedum spathulifolium as a host plant.
49: Of the listed species, which one is commonly associated with a role in green tramways?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum divergens
C: Sedum reflexum
D: Sedum hispanicum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum reflexum is often planted between tramway tracks as a low maintenance, aesthetic option that also controls noise.
50: As food, which Sedum should be handled with caution due to potential skin irritation?
A: Sedum album
B: Sedum divergens
C: Sedum rubrotinctum
D: Sedum spathulifolium
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The juice from the stems and leaves of Sedum rubrotinctum may irritate the skin if handled excessively.
51: What is the correct number of petals typically found on Sedum album flowers?
A: Three
B: Four
C: Five
D: Six
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum album typically has flowers with five petals.
52: Which subgenus has a center of diversity in Mexico?
A: Gormania
B: Leucosedum
C: Aizoon
D: Sedum
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Subgenus Sedum has a center of diversity in Mexico, making it an important region for these species.
53: Which clade includes the species Sedum dasyphyllum?
A: Gormania
B: Sedeae
C: Telephieae
D: Aeonieae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum dasyphyllum is included in the Sedeae clade.
54: In which year did Berger define 22 subdivisions of Sedum?
A: 1830
B: 1921
C: 1935
D: 1930
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In 1930, Berger defined 22 subdivisions of the genus Sedum.
55: What is a common garden use for species like Sedum saxatile in Europe?
A: Shade plants
B: Houseplants
C: Ground cover
D: Tree planting
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Species like Sedum saxatile are commonly used as ground cover in European gardens due to their hardiness.
56: Why are Sedum plants favored for urban green roofs?
A: Color variety
B: Pest resistance
C: Moisture retention and hardiness
D: Fragrance
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sedum plants are favored for green roofs due to their excellent moisture retention and hardiness.
57: Which species of Sedum is part of the section Americana?
A: Sedum acre
B: Sedum bourgaei
C: Sedum hispanicum
D: Sedum rubrotinctum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sedum bourgaei is a species within the section Americana.
58: What problem does “the Sedum problem” refer to?
A: Climate sensitivity
B: Taxonomic challenges
C: Pest resistance
D: Soil nutrient requirements
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “The Sedum problem” refers to the taxonomic challenges and complexities within the highly polyphyletic genus Sedum.
59: Which Sedum plant has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in North America?
A: Sedum rupestre
B: Sedum reflexum
C: Sedum acre
D: Sedum album
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sedum rupestre has escaped cultivation in Europe and become naturalized in North America.
60: What morphological feature cannot phenotypically characterize Sedum due to its diversity?
A: Leaf shape
B: Flower color
C: Growth habit
D: Water storage capacity
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Due to the extensive morphological diversity and homoplasy within the genus, it is impossible to characterize Sedum based on its growth habits alone.