Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Plants that evolve and grow naturally in an area are termed what?

1. Specimen

2. Accent

3. Native

4. Exotic

The correct answer is: Native

Plants that evolve and grow naturally in a specific area are referred to as native plants. Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil, and environmental conditions, which allows them to thrive without the need for excessive intervention or maintenance. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem by providing habitat and food for wildlife, conserving water, and minimizing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. In contrast, specimen plants are selected for their unique characteristics and are often showcased in landscapes but do not necessarily have a relationship to the local ecosystem. Accent plants are typically used for ornamental purposes to highlight certain features in a design. Exotic plants, on the other hand, are species that have been introduced from other geographical areas and may not have the same ecological benefits as native plants. They might require additional resources to thrive and could potentially disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species. Thus, the term for plants that are integral to the ecosystem of a specific area, having developed there over time, is indeed "native."