Which Flower Am I? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Iris

In mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow. The flower named for her comes in many kinds and colours. The common iris is usually purple, but it can be found in blue, yellow, white or shades of pink and orange. And of course the iris is also the coloured part of your eye.

Answer: aster

Asters (Astereae) are herbacious perennials and are members of the sunflower family. They are cheerful, daisy-like flowers, with common colours being pink, purple and blue. Artist Claude Monet painted a bouquet of asters in 1880.

Answer: marigold

Marigolds come in several different sizes and kinds, but all have flowers that are in the range of yellow, orange or brownish shades. The two best known kinds are probably the small pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) which is used in skin creams and the African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) which is a native of South America.

As you can see from their different botanical names, these two marigolds are really different plants. "Treasure of the Mother"? Perhaps the common name really derives from "Mary's Gold".

Answer: lavender

Lavandula officinalis, often called "English Lavender", is an aromatic herb that grows in compact bushes. Its foliage is grey-green, its flowers grey-purple or blue. A long time favourite for scenting linens, lavender has also been used as a powerful antiseptic. Its name comes from "lave", a word meaning "to wash or clean".

Answer: orchid

Chinese philosopher Confucius was growing orchids twenty-five centuries ago. The orchid family (Orchidacae) is huge and diverse; as many as 30,000 species grow wild around the world. Vanilla is one of the best known, but many of the others, grown for their beauty or rarity, fascinate their admirers.

Answer: violet

Violets (viola) are sweet old fashioned flowers that lend themselves to very tiny bouquets and buttonholes. The flowers are sometimes candied and used as cake decorations.

Answer: escholtzia

"Escholtzia californica" is sometimes known as "Californian poppy". It is a pretty annual with finely cut foliage and glossy four-petaled flowers. The most common colour is a brilliant, vibrant orange, but it is also available is yellow and cream. The flowers are covered in a green hood which slips off when the flower is ready to unfurl its petals. It self-seeds readily.

Answer: laburnum

The laburnum, (Cytisus Laburnam) sometimes known as "golden chain", is a most attractive tree. It grows about 6 metres high, and is a native of Europe. The bright yellow flowers hang in long clusters, and the black seeds are particularly poisonous.

Answer: ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is one a several plants known generically as ivy. Most of them are hardy plants with dark green or varigated leaves, which may have three or five lobes. Ivy clings and climbs, putting out aerial roots to attach itself to trees and fences. Some kinds thrive in shady places where it is difficult to grow anything else.

Answer: everlasting daisy

Everlasting daisies (Helichrysum) are small, compact plants which have brightly coloured daisy flowers. These can be gathered and dried, and their straw-textured petals retain their shape and colour for many years.

Answer: salvia

Salvia (Salvia Splendens) bears brilliant scarlet or more subdued blue or purple flowers on upright stalks. A popular border flower, salvia is also useful for use in floral clocks or flags.

Answer: boronia

Brown Boronia (Boronia megastigma) is the most common form of this delightful Australian shrub. The flowers are mixed shades of brown, rather like a tabby cat's fur. Slightly less fragrant types of boronia include yellow, red and pink varieties. Brown boronia has one of the strongest scents of any flower; it is likened to freesia and osmanthus in its power and sweetness.

Answer: lotus

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is also known as the sacred lotus. It was introduced to Egypt, probably from somewhere in Asia, and appears in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The lotus is edible and may have medicinal properties.

Answer: eglantine

Eglantine (Rosa Eglanteria) is also known as the sweetbrier rose. Its single pink flowers are quite delightful, but usually remain unpicked because the eglantine has thorns. It is mentioned in "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

Answer: edelweiss

Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) is a small, white-flowered alpine plant. It originated in Siberia, and is much used in decorative motifs. The song "Edelweiss" is well known from the film "The Sound of Music".

Answer: delphinium

Delphiniums (Delphinium elatum) are tall garden plants with clusters of flowers arranged in a spire. The best known colour is a deep blue, but they are also available in pink, white, purple and other shades. A close relative of the larkspur, delphiniums were named by ancient Greeks from their word for dolphins. Apparently the buds resemble dolphins.

Answer: impatiens

"Impatiens wallerana", often known as "Busy Lizzie", is a cheerful little herbaceous plant usually grown as an annual. Its bright flowers and shiny leaves make it popular, especially as it is one of the few flowers that really does prefer the shade.

Answer: nasturtium

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), is one of the fastest-maturing flowers. This fact, plus the fact that flowers, leaves and seeds are eatable, makes it a popular favourite for children's gardens. Nasturtiums come in all shades of red, orange, and yellow, and are generally easy to grow. But - one good frost and they're gone. Fortunately, they often self-seed.

Answer: geranium

The geranium (pelargonium) family is extensive, and many of the plants smell strongly of something else. The leaves are mostly five-pointed, and the flowers vary from splashy to insignificant.

Answer: Love Lies Bleeding

"Amaranthus caudatus", or love-lies-bleeding, is a rather sinister looking plant with large green leaves and long, rich crimson plumes. These can be dried, and retain their colour. It is also known as tassel flower.