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Trivia: Roses

By Eric Goodwin, McClatchy-Tribune, Source: MCT News Service

1. How many roses were produced for Valentine's Day in the United States in 2009?

A. 173 million

B. 187 million

C. 194 million

	2. Which of these are not distinguishing characteristics of highly scented roses?
	A. Thick, velvety petals
	B. Thorny petals
	C. Rich, dark color
	3. Roses are edible.
	A. True
	B. False

4. What does the term "sub rosa" mean?

A. Something happening or done with romantic intent

B. Something happening or done in secret

C. Something happening or done cheerfully

Answer B: "Sub rosa" means something happening or done in secret. In Latin, "sub rosa" literally means "under the rose." According to one tale from Roman mythology, Cupid gave Harpocrates, the god of silence, a rose as a bribe to keep him from telling anyone of Venus' (the goddess of love and Cupid's mother) many romantic encounters. Thus, the ceilings of Roman banquet halls were decorated with roses to remind guests to keep what was discussed there confidential.

5. Which country singer has a rose variety named after her?

A. Dolly Parton

B. Loretta Lynn

C. Carrie Underwood

ANSWERS:

1. B: The Society of American Florists estimates that 187 million stems of roses were produced for Valentine's Day in 2009; 175 million were purchased in 2004.

2. B: Typically, roses that are richer in color, have more petals to the bloom or have thick pedals have a more pronounced fragrance. A rose's scent is also stronger on warm, sunny days when the soil is moist.

3. A: Yes, roses are edible, particularly their hips. A rose hip is the seed pod that forms on canes after they bloom. Rose hips are high in vitamin C and have a tangy yet sweet flavor. They can be used to make tea, syrup, puree, jam, jelly and sauce. Rose petals are also edible. You can sprinkle them on salads, use them as garnish or make them into jelly.

4. B: "Sub rosa" means something happening or done in secret. In Latin, "sub rosa" literally means "under the rose." According to one tale from Roman mythology, Cupid gave Harpocrates, the god of silence, a rose as a bribe to keep him from telling anyone of Venus' (the goddess of love and Cupid's mother) many romantic encounters. Thus, the ceilings of Roman banquet halls were decorated with roses to remind guests to keep what was discussed there confidential.

5. A: The 'Dolly Parton' is a large-flowering, fragrant hybrid tea rose. The blooms are a vivid orange-red in color and the plant can grow as tall as five feet (1.5 meters). The flower was named and bred by Joe Winchel in 1984.

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(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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