Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Practice Exam

Which of the following plants has a flower that has both male and female parts?

1. Tulip

2. Holly

3. Cucumber

4. Pine

The correct answer is: Pine

The correct answer is the plant that produces flowers containing both male and female reproductive structures. In this case, all the listed options, including the tulip, cucumber, and holly, display flowers with both male (stamens) and female parts (pistils). Looking at the choices, the explanation for the selected option usually relates to its reproductive biology. In a typical flowering plant like those mentioned, the presence of both types of organs in one flower indicates that it can potentially self-pollinate or cross-pollinate, which is essential for reproduction. However, it is important to distinguish the context of the options provided. For instance, holly typically has dioecious flowers, meaning that male and female reproductive parts are found on separate plants, which makes it distinct from the others and not fitting for the question's criteria. Pine, while producing cones that have male and female parts, is a gymnosperm and does not have flowers in the traditional sense. The other flower types, like tulips and cucumbers, prominently display both reproductive structures within their flower anatomy. Therefore, the answer reflects a misconception; indeed, tulips and cucumbers are also correct in having both male and female parts. The emphasis lies in understanding