1: What is the common name for Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: ZZ plant
B: Peace lily
C: Spider plant
D: Snake plant
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Zamioculcas zamiifolia is often referred to as the ZZ plant due to its glossy, attractive foliage and easy care.
2: Zamioculcas zamiifolia is native to which region?
A: South America
B: Southeast Asia
C: Eastern Africa
D: Southern Europe
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This plant is native to eastern Africa, including countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
3: Which USDA Zones are best suited for growing Zamioculcas zamiifolia outdoors?
A: 3-5
B: 6-8
C: 9-10
D: 11-13
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Zamioculcas zamiifolia is winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10.
4: What year did Dutch nurseries begin the commercial propagation of Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: 1986
B: 1996
C: 2000
D: 2010
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Dutch nurseries started large-scale propagation of the plant around 1996.
5: From which genus was Zamioculcas zamiifolia reclassified?
A: Caladium
B: Philodendron
C: Monstera
D: Dieffenbachia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It was first described as Caladium zamiifolium but later moved to the genus Zamioculcas.
6: The name Zamioculcas comes from its foliage resemblance to which plant genus?
A: Zamia
B: Anthurium
C: Monstera
D: Pothos
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The name derives from its similarity to the cycad genus Zamia.
7: How tall can Zamioculcas zamiifolia grow?
A: 15-30 cm
B: 30-50 cm
C: 45-60 cm
D: 75-100 cm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This plant can grow to a height of 45–60 centimeters.
8: Which common name is NOT associated with Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Eternity plant
B: Emerald palm
C: Aroid palm
D: Money tree
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Money tree is not a common name for Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
9: What is the ideal indoor temperature range for growing Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: 10-15°C
B: 18-26°C
C: 27-32°C
D: 5-10°C
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Optimal growth occurs between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius.
10: Raven ZZ Plant is a commercial cultivar of which species?
A: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
B: Philodendron
C: Peace Lily
D: Snake Plant
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: ‘Raven’ is a commercial cultivar of Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
11: Which part of Zamioculcas zamiifolia stores water?
A: Leaves
B: Stems
C: Roots
D: Rhizome
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The plant has a large potato-like rhizome that stores water.
12: What percentage of water content do the leaves of Zamioculcas zamiifolia generally have?
A: 50%
B: 70%
C: 85%
D: 91%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The leaves contain an unusually high water content of 91%.
13: Zamioculcas zamiifolia is known to survive well under which lighting condition?
A: Direct sunlight
B: Complete darkness
C: Low light
D: Constant artificial light
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This plant can survive well under low light conditions for extended periods.
14: What is the main reason Zamioculcas zamiifolia can survive droughts?
A: Deep roots
B: Waxy leaves
C: Water-storing rhizome
D: Thick bark
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The large rhizome stores water, allowing the plant to survive droughts.
15: How does Zamioculcas zamiifolia reproduce?
A: Seeds
B: Spores
C: Leaf cuttings
D: Runners
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It can be propagated by leaf cuttings or by division.
16: What should be the condition of the soil for planting Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Always wet
B: Waterlogged
C: Well-drained
D: Dry sand
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Well-drained soil is essential to avoid tuber rot.
17: Which chemical compounds are found in Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: C-glycosylflavone apigenin
B: Chlorophylloxin
C: Anthocyanins
D: Lignin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The plant contains acylated C-glycosylflavone apigenin compounds.
18: In which country is Zamioculcas zamiifolia used for treating earache?
A: Kenya
B: Tanzania
C: Malawi
D: Zimbabwe
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In Malawi, the juice from leaves is used to treat earache.
19: What is a common ailment treated using Zamioculcas zamiifolia in Tanzania?
A: Malaria
B: Diabetes
C: Inflammatory conditions
D: Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It is used to treat inflammatory conditions known as “mshipa.”
20: Which medium is recommended for propagating Zamioculcas zamiifolia by leaf cuttings?
A: Sand
B: Gritty soil
C: Clay
D: Mulch
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A moist, gritty growing medium is recommended for propagating by leaf cuttings.
21: How should the light conditions be for Zamioculcas zamiifolia indoors?
A: Direct sunlight all day
B: Complete darkness
C: Bright indirect light
D: Constant artificial light
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bright, indirect light is ideal indoors, although it will also tolerate low light conditions.
22: What type of soil mixture is recommended for indoor Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Clay soil
B: Sandy soil
C: Well-drained potting soil
D: Acidic soil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A well-drained potting soil mix is best for indoor growth.
23: What is the toxicity level of Zamioculcas zamiifolia to brine shrimp at high extract concentrations?
A: Highly toxic
B: Non-toxic
C: Mildly toxic
D: Lethal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Initial tests showed it was non-toxic to brine shrimp even at high concentrations.
24: In what season does Zamioculcas zamiifolia typically flower?
A: Winter
B: Spring
C: Summer
D: Midsummer to early autumn
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Flowering occurs from midsummer to early autumn.
25: Which environmental condition is lethal for Zamioculcas zamiifolia when overexposed?
A: Cold temperatures
B: Direct sunlight
C: Overwatering
D: Wind
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Overwatering can destroy the plant due to tuber rot.
26: Which study showed Zamioculcas zamiifolia’s potential to remove volatile organic compounds?
A: Harvard University
B: University of Copenhagen
C: University of Tokyo
D: MIT
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A study by the University of Copenhagen showed its potential to remove VOCs like benzene.
27: What kind of light does Zamioculcas zamiifolia prefer when grown outdoors?
A: Full shade to part shade
B: Full sun
C: Full darkness
D: Constant artificial light
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: It prefers part shade to full shade outdoors.
28: What is one way that Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been used in traditional Tanzanian medicine?
A: Treat stomach aches
B: Treat earache
C: Treat ulceration
D: Treat diabetes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Roots are used for treating ulceration by the Sukuma people in Tanzania.
29: Which part of Zamioculcas zamiifolia is used to treat inflammatory conditions in Tanzania?
A: Stem
B: Leaves
C: Flower
D: Root
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A poultice of bruised leaves is used for treating inflammatory conditions.
30: What type of potting soil is best for Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Clay soil
B: Peat-free compost
C: Well-drained potting mix
D: Coco-peat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A well-drained potting mix prevents waterlogging and tuber rot.
31: How long does it typically take for Zamioculcas zamiifolia to be propagated by leaf cuttings?
A: 3 months
B: 6 months
C: 1 year
D: 2 years
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The propagation process by leaf cuttings generally takes upwards of one year.
32: Which temperature is detrimental to Zamioculcas zamiifolia if it drops below?
A: 10°C
B: 13°C
C: 15°C
D: 20°C
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The plant may not survive temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
33: What is the biological classification order of Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Asparagales
B: Alismatales
C: Rosales
D: Lamiales
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Zamioculcas zamiifolia belongs to the order Alismatales.
34: In what way is Zamioculcas zamiifolia typically grown in temperate regions?
A: Outdoor plant
B: Houseplant
C: Garden shrub
D: Water plant
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is often grown as a houseplant in temperate regions.
35: Overwatering Zamioculcas zamiifolia can lead to which issue?
A: Leaf expansion
B: Tuber rot
C: Rapid growth
D: Leaf shedding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Overwatering may cause tuber rot, which can destroy the plant.
36: When did Heinrich Wilhelm Schott move the plant to the genus Zamioculcas?
A: 1700
B: 1800
C: 1829
D: 1856
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: It was Heinrich Wilhelm Schott who established its name after it was first described in 1829.
37: What is the percentage of water content in Zamioculcas zamiifolia’s petioles?
A: 50%
B: 70%
C: 85%
D: 95%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The petioles contain an impressively high water content of 95%.
38: Which symptom might occur if Zamioculcas zamiifolia receives insufficient sunlight?
A: Excessive growth
B: Leaf whitening
C: Leaf lengthening and falling off
D: Root decay
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Lack of sunlight can cause leaves to lengthen and fall off as the plant stretches towards light.
39: What soil mixture is recommended for planting Zamioculcas zamiifolia outdoors?
A: Tanned ox manure, washed river sand, red earth (1:1:1)
B: Peanut shells, compost, clay (2:1:1)
C: Coconut husk, peat, vermiculite (3:2:1)
D: Charcoal, rice hulls, sphagnum (1:2:1)
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The recommended mixture includes tanned ox manure, washed river sand, and red earth in equal parts.
40: What secondary effect did researchers observe in brine shrimp exposed to Zamioculcas zamiifolia extracts?
A: Increased lethality
B: No effect
C: Improved vitality
D: Deformation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Researchers noted an increase in the vitality of the larvae exposed to the extracts.
41: Which environmental factor is best for Zamioculcas zamiifolia’s optimal growth indoors?
A: Direct sunlight
B: Low humidity
C: Constant temperature
D: Bright, indirect light
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Bright, indirect light encourages optimal growth indoors.
42: How long can individual leaves of Zamioculcas zamiifolia last?
A: 2 months
B: 4 months
C: 6 months
D: 1 year
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The leaves can last for at least six months.
43: What is the botanical family of Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Asteraceae
B: Araceae
C: Bromeliaceae
D: Fabaceae
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It belongs to the family Araceae.
44: How does Zamioculcas zamiifolia benefit from being an evergreen plant?
A: Rapid growth
B: Seasonal shedding
C: Consistent foliage presence
D: Flowering year-round
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Being evergreen means it has a consistent presence of foliage throughout the year.
45: What is one way to avoid tuber rot in Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Overwatering
B: Well-drained soil
C: Constant sunlight
D: High humidity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Using well-drained soil helps prevent tuber rot.
46: Which conditions can enhance leaf production in Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: High light
B: Low temperatures
C: High temperatures
D: Regular fertilization
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Warmer temperatures can lead to increased leaf production.
47: Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been known to purify air by removing which compounds?
A: Methane
B: Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene
C: Oxygen
D: Nitrogen dioxide
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It can remove volatile organic compounds like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
48: What uses does this plant have in traditional medicine in Malawi?
A: Earache treatment
B: Headache remedy
C: Fever reduction
D: Pain relief
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Juice from the leaves is used to treat earache in Malawi.
49: What happens when Zamioculcas zamiifolia leaves are subjected to very low light for a prolonged period?
A: Faster growth
B: Increased disease resistance
C: Leaf yellowing and falling
D: Enhanced flowering
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Prolonged low light can cause leaves to yellow (chlorosis) and fall off.
50: What kind of growth pattern does Zamioculcas zamiifolia exhibit?
A: Deciduous tree
B: Herbaceous perennial
C: Annual shrub
D: Climbing vine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is an herbaceous perennial plant.
51: What should be the frequency of watering Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Continue watering all the time
B: Water every day
C: Regular watering with soil drying out in between
D: Water once a year
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Regular watering with periods of soil drying out helps the plant thrive.
52: What is the ideal humidity level for Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Very low humidity
B: Moderate humidity
C: Very high humidity
D: Zero humidity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Moderate humidity is most suitable for its growth.
53: Which symptom indicates Zamioculcas zamiifolia is stretching towards a light source?
A: Root decay
B: Leaf curling
C: Branches lengthening
D: Flowering excessively
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Leaf lengthening can indicate the plant is stretching towards a light source due to insufficient light.
54: The genus name Zamioculcas is derived from its similarity to which kind of plant’s foliage?
A: Orchids
B: Ferns
C: Cycads
D: Grasses
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Its foliage resembles that of the cycad genus Zamia.
55: In which indoor condition does Zamioculcas zamiifolia tolerate but not thrive for extended periods?
A: Direct sunlight
B: Complete darkness
C: Low light conditions
D: Extremely high temperatures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: While it can tolerate low light, this is not ideal for long-term healthy growth.
56: What is the meaning of the species name “zamiifolia”?
A: Leaves like Zamia
B: Flowers like Zamia
C: Stems like Zamia
D: Roots like Zamia
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: “Zamiifolia” means “leaves like Zamia.”
57: What should be avoided when growing Zamioculcas zamiifolia to prevent leaf yellowing?
A: Direct sunlight
B: Insufficient watering
C: Low light
D: High temperatures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Low light conditions over time can cause yellowing of the leaves.
58: What unusual compound is found in Zamioculcas zamiifolia?
A: Methane
B: Acylated C-glycosylflavone apigenin
C: Carbon monoxide
D: Sodium chloride
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The plant contains acylated C-glycosylflavone apigenin.
59: What should be the characteristics of an indoor place where Zamioculcas zamiifolia is to be kept?
A: Very dark room
B: Bright indirect light
C: No air ventilation
D: Outdoor exposure
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Bright indirect light is optimal for indoor placement.
60: Which part of Zamioculcas zamiifolia has the highest water content?
A: Roots
B: Leaves
C: Petioles
D: Flower
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The petioles have the highest water content, holding about 95%.