1: What is the common name for Ficus benjamina?
A: Weeping Willow
B: Weeping Fig
C: Crying Oak
D: Sobbing Spruce
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ficus benjamina is commonly known as the Weeping Fig.
2: In which two states in the United States is the Weeping Fig naturalized?
A: California and Texas
B: Florida and Arizona
C: New York and Nevada
D: Oregon and Illinois
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is naturalized in Florida and Arizona.
3: What is a major risk of planting Weeping Fig trees in residential areas according to the United States Forest Service?
A: Invasive roots
B: Toxic leaves
C: Weak branches
D: Attracting pests
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The United States Forest Service notes that Weeping Fig trees have rapidly growing roots that can invade gardens and damage sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
4: What type of flowers can be found in the inflorescences of Ficus benjamina?
A: Only male flowers
B: Only female flowers
C: Male, fertile female, and sterile female flowers
D: Male and sterile female flowers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The inflorescences of Ficus benjamina contain male, fertile female, and sterile female flowers.
5: Which city has the Weeping Fig as its official tree?
A: Tokyo
B: Bangkok
C: Sydney
D: Miami
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is the official tree of Bangkok.
6: What type of climates are suitable for growing Weeping Fig outdoors?
A: Arctic
B: Temperate
C: Tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate
D: Desert
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig thrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates.
7: Which indoor condition does the Weeping Fig tolerate?
A: Low humidity
B: Bright, sunny conditions and considerable shade
C: High temperatures only
D: Complete darkness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig does best in bright, sunny conditions but also tolerates considerable shade.
8: Which cultivar of Weeping Fig has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit?
A: ‘Danielle’
B: ‘Exotica’
C: ‘Golden King’
D: ‘Starlight’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The cultivar ‘Starlight’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
9: What kind of sap does the Weeping Fig produce that can cause allergic reactions?
A: Rubber sap
B: Latex sap
C: Resin sap
D: Sticky sap
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig produces latex sap that can cause allergic reactions.
10: Besides formaldehyde, what other gaseous contaminant does the Weeping Fig help remove from indoor air?
A: Carbon dioxide
B: Methane
C: Radon
D: It is not known to remove another specific gaseous contaminant
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: It is noted for removing formaldehyde, but there is no specific mention of other gaseous contaminants.
11: What happens to Weeping Fig leaves when the plant is relocated or turned around?
A: Leaves change color
B: Leaves fall off and are replaced with new ones adapted to the new light intensity
C: Leaves grow larger
D: Leaves shrink in size
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When relocated or turned around, the Weeping Fig drops many of its leaves and replaces them with new ones adapted to the new light intensity.
12: What is the recommended action for Weeping Fig trees in hurricane-prone South Florida?
A: Move them indoors
B: Trim their leaves
C: Remove them safely and promptly
D: Water them frequently
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The South Florida Water District recommends removing Weeping Fig trees safely and promptly due to their high risk of damage from storm gale winds.
13: How tall can the Weeping Fig grow in natural conditions?
A: 10 meters
B: 98 feet
C: 50 feet
D: 20 meters
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In natural conditions, the Weeping Fig can grow up to 98 feet tall.
14: What is one of the most common reasons for Ficus benjamina to be popular as a houseplant?
A: Its fragrant flowers
B: Its ability to tolerate poor growing conditions
C: Its vibrant fruit
D: Its medicinal uses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ficus benjamina is popular as a houseplant because it tolerates poor growing conditions.
15: What type of allergen is the Weeping Fig ranked as indoors?
A: First-most common
B: Third-most common
C: Fifth-most common
D: Tenth-most common
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is the third-most common cause of indoor allergies.
16: What does the United States Forest Service recommend using Weeping Fig as rather than a tree?
A: A hedge or clipped screen
B: A ground cover
C: A hanging plant
D: A climbing wall
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The United States Forest Service recommends using Weeping Fig as a hedge or clipped screen.
17: What type of flowers in the Weeping Fig’s inflorescences has a stamen?
A: Female flowers
B: Sterile female flowers
C: Male flowers
D: All of the above
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The male flowers in the Weeping Fig’s inflorescences have a stamen.
18: Which of the following is NOT a known cultivar of Weeping Fig?
A: ‘Naomi’
B: ‘Magnolia’
C: ‘Golden King’
D: ‘Danielle’
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ‘Magnolia’ is not a known cultivar of Weeping Fig whereas ‘Naomi’, ‘Golden King’, and ‘Danielle’ are.
19: What color are the ripe figs of Ficus benjamina?
A: Green
B: Yellow
C: Orange-red
D: Purple
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ripe figs of Ficus benjamina are orange-red in color.
20: What is a special risk for latex allergy sufferers in relation to the Weeping Fig?
A: It attracts insects
B: It causes skin irritation
C: It contains latex that can cause severe allergic reactions
D: It produces a strong odor
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig contains latex, which can cause severe allergic reactions in latex allergy sufferers.
21: What type of tree is the Weeping Fig when planted indoors in temperate climates?
A: A fast-growing tree
B: A very popular houseplant
C: A medicinal tree
D: A fruit-bearing tree
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is a very popular houseplant in temperate climates.
22: What size are the leaves of the Weeping Fig?
A: 1–2 cm long
B: 6–13 cm long
C: 10–15 cm long
D: 20–25 cm long
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The leaves of the Weeping Fig are 6–13 cm long.
23: Which part of Ficus benjamina’s bark is smooth and light gray?
A: The trunk
B: Young branches
C: Older branches
D: Roots
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The trunk of Ficus benjamina has smooth and light gray bark.
24: How did the Weeping Fig earn its name?
A: By its drooping branchlets
B: By its crying sap
C: By the shape of its leaves
D: By its watery fruit
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Weeping Fig earned its name due to its gracefully drooping branchlets.
25: For which type of natural disaster is the Weeping Fig considered high risk in South Florida?
A: Earthquakes
B: Tornadoes
C: Hurricanes
D: Floods
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is considered high risk during hurricanes in South Florida.
26: Where are yellow crystal cells (“cystolites”) found in the Weeping Fig?
A: Roots
B: Trunk
C: Leaf margins
D: Flowers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Yellow crystal cells (“cystolites”) are found near the leaf margins of the Weeping Fig.
27: Which organization recommends the safe removal of Weeping Fig trees in hurricane-prone areas in South Florida?
A: South Florida Environmental Agency
B: South Florida Water District
C: South Florida Agricultural Association
D: South Florida Forestry Division
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The South Florida Water District recommends the safe removal of Weeping Fig trees in hurricane-prone areas.
28: What needs to be done when an indoor Weeping Fig grows too large for its location?
A: Replant it outside
B: Cut off all its leaves
C: Apply substantial pruning or replace it
D: Put it in a larger pot
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An indoor Weeping Fig may need substantial pruning or replacement if it grows too large for its location.
29: Where is the Weeping Fig native to?
A: Africa
B: South America
C: Europe
D: Asia and Australia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is native to Asia and Australia.
30: What should not be done to the Weeping Fig according to cultivation recommendations?
A: Mist it frequently
B: Provide bright light
C: Protect from strong drafts
D: Water moderately in summer
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Weeping Fig does not need to be misted frequently.
31: How does the Weeping Fig react to cold conditions?
A: It thrives
B: It becomes dormant
C: It is very sensitive
D: It blooms
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is very sensitive to cold conditions.
32: What is a notable characteristic of Weeping Fig leaves?
A: They never change color
B: They are fuzzy
C: They have a glossy appearance
D: They are always curled
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The leaves of the Weeping Fig have a glossy appearance.
33: Which type of light condition is favorable for the growth of Ficus benjamina?
A: Darkness
B: Indirect low light
C: Bright, sunny conditions
D: Artificial light only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ficus benjamina does best in bright, sunny conditions.
34: Why might the Weeping Fig’s fruit not be commonly consumed?
A: It is too bitter
B: It is very rare
C: The plant is not usually grown for its fruit
D: It is poisonous
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The plant is not usually grown for its fruit, even though it is edible.
35: What happens to the leaves of the plant when environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity change?
A: They grow larger
B: They drop and are replaced
C: They curl up
D: They turn brown
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The leaves drop and are replaced with new leaves adapted to the new conditions.
36: What is the growth pattern of the Weeping Fig like?
A: Rapid and uncontrollable
B: Elegant and slow
C: Sprawling and irregular
D: Elegant and adaptable
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The Weeping Fig has an elegant growth pattern and is adaptable.
37: Which birds are attracted to the Weeping Fig in its native range?
A: Seed-eating birds
B: Insectivorous birds
C: Fruit-eating birds
D: Nectar-feeding birds
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Some fruit-eating birds are attracted to the small fruit of the Weeping Fig in its native range.
38: What does the term “monoecious” mean in the context of Ficus benjamina’s flowers?
A: It has only male flowers
B: It has both male and female flowers
C: It has only female flowers
D: It has unisexual flowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Monoecious means the plant has both male and female flowers.
39: Which characteristic of Ficus benjamina makes it a major source of indoor allergens?
A: Its pollen
B: Its sap filled with latex
C: Its leaves
D: Its fruit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig’s sap contains latex, making it a major source of indoor allergens.
40: What type of pruning may be required for indoor Weeping Figs?
A: Light pruning
B: Decorative pruning
C: Drastic pruning
D: No pruning at all
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Drastic pruning may be required if the indoor Weeping Fig grows too large for its location.
41: Which agency does NOT require a permit for removing Weeping Fig trees in some jurisdictions of South Florida?
A: Environmental Protection Agency
B: Local city planning departments
C: County agricultural offices
D: Permits are generally not required for Weeping Fig removal in hurricane-prone areas
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: No permit is needed for removing Weeping Fig trees in some South Florida jurisdictions.
42: What is a common issue when Weeping Fig trees are grown outside in residential areas?
A: Insufficient fruit production
B: Predatory insect attraction
C: Invasive root growth
D: Excessive leaf drop
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Weeping Fig trees often have problems with invasive root growth when grown in residential areas.
43: The pale glossy to dull leaf blade of the Weeping Fig is how long?
A: 2 to 6 cm
B: 5 to 12 cm
C: 10 to 15 cm
D: 15 to 20 cm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The pale glossy to dull leaf blade of the Weeping Fig is 5 to 12 cm long.
44: Who first observed allergies related to exposure to Weeping Fig plants?
A: Home gardeners
B: Agricultural scientists
C: Occupational workers handling the plants
D: Hospital nurses
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Allergies related to Weeping Fig plants were first observed in occupational workers handling the plants.
45: Weeping Fig leaves have a specific shape. What is it?
A: Round
B: Heart-shaped
C: Oval with an acuminate tip
D: Linear
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Weeping Fig leaves are oval with an acuminate (tapering) tip.
46: What is the recommendation for protecting Weeping Fig from strong drafts indoors?
A: Cover it with a cloth
B: Place it near a heater
C: Keep it away from windows and doors
D: Water it more frequently
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig should be kept away from windows and doors to protect it from strong drafts.
47: What symptom might indicate a Weeping Fig allergy in latex-sensitive individuals?
A: Skin rash
B: Itchy eyes
C: Rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma
D: Dry mouth
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Latex-sensitive individuals might experience rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic asthma when exposed to Weeping Fig.
48: A ripe Weeping Fig has what primary color?
A: Blue
B: Green
C: Orange-red
D: Purple
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A ripe Weeping Fig is primarily orange-red in color.
49: What are the leaves of young Weeping Fig described as?
A: Dark green and smooth
B: Light green and slightly wavy
C: Yellow and rough
D: Purple and shiny
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The leaves of young Weeping Fig are light green and slightly wavy.
50: What plant is renowned for effectively removing indoor gaseous formaldehyde?
A: Aloe Vera
B: Peace Lily
C: Weeping Fig
D: Spider Plant
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is noted for effectively removing gaseous formaldehyde from indoor air.
51: What is the primary cultural importance of the Weeping Fig in Bangkok?
A: It serves as a medicinal plant
B: It is the official tree of the city
C: It is used for construction
D: It is a primary food source
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig is the official tree of Bangkok.
52: How do Weeping Fig trees adapt to new lighting conditions after relocation?
A: Grow smaller leaves
B: Shed old leaves and grow new ones
C: Increase leaf thickness
D: Turn leaves yellow
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Weeping Fig trees adapt to new lighting conditions by shedding old leaves and growing new ones.
53: What safety measure is often recommended for Weeping Fig trees in hurricane-prone areas?
A: Regular pruning
B: Frequent watering
C: Immediate removal
D: Shade covering
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Immediate removal is often recommended to prevent damage in hurricane-prone areas.
54: Why is the Weeping Fig not ideal for residential planting in tree form?
A: Too fragrant
B: Grows too quickly
C: Invasive root system
D: Too expensive
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The invasive root system makes it unsuitable for residential planting in tree form.
55: Which aspect of Weeping Fig requires careful management when grown indoors?
A: Lighting conditions
B: Fertilizer use
C: Pruning schedule
D: Pollination needs
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Weeping Fig requires careful management of lighting conditions when grown indoors.
56: What is a key reason for the popularity of miniature Weeping Fig cultivars like ‘Too Little’?
A: High fruit yield
B: Used for indoor bonsai
C: Medicinal properties
D: Decorative flowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Miniature Weeping Fig cultivars like ‘Too Little’ are popular for indoor bonsai.
57: What type of leaf blade does the Weeping Fig have?
A: Serrated
B: Entire and stalked
C: Lobed
D: Compound
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Weeping Fig has entire (smooth-edged) and stalked leaf blades.
58: Which types of flowers in the Weeping Fig’s inflorescences have free sepals?
A: All flower types
B: Male flowers
C: Fertile female flowers
D: Sterile female flowers
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The male flowers in the Weeping Fig’s inflorescences have free sepals.
59: How were Weeping Fig allergies first identified?
A: Through hospital case studies
B: Researching people with asthma
C: Occupational worker studies
D: Environmental allergy tests
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Weeping Fig allergies were first identified through studies of occupational workers regularly handling the plants.
60: What are the environmental factors, other than light, that affect Weeping Fig leaves?
A: Temperature and humidity
B: Soil type and pH level
C: Altitude and wind speed
D: Water salinity and air quality
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Temperature and humidity are environmental factors affecting Weeping Fig leaves.