Do you ever feel like a vibrant sunflower always searching for the sun? Or maybe you’re more like an oak tree, larger than life, providing comfort and shelter for those around you. Every plant has its own way of surviving, thriving, and communicating to those around it- and so do you!

This month, the MBGNA Youth Education team invites you to discover: Which Conservatory Plant Are You? Take our short quiz to find your conservatory plant match, and then come explore Matthaei Botanical Gardens to find it in real life!

The Quiz

1. When a challenge comes up, you...
A. Stay calm and tough it out.
B. Think outside the box to find a creative solution.
C. Reach out to your friends or family for help.
D. Dive in with excitement and motivation.

2. Your ideal place to hang out is...
A. Somewhere sunny and quiet.
B. A mysterious spot full of cool details to explore.
C. Wherever your favorite people are.
D. A cozy café or space buzzing with energy.

3. What’s your best strength?
A. Independence: You don’t need much to thrive.
B. Curiosity: You’re always learning new things.
C. Loyalty: You’re dependable and protective.
D. Enthusiasm: You inspire others with your energy.

4. What do you do when you meet someone new?
A. Take your time to open up.
B. Ask a lot of questions; you’re fascinated by people.
C. Welcome them right into your circle.
D. Start chatting, you love good conversation!

5. What sounds most relaxing to you?
A. Watching the sunset in peace.
B. Listening to the buzz of insects and frogs at night.
C. Sitting under a big tree with friends.
D. Having an adventure with friends- at the mall, doing karaoke, or something new.

The Results

Mostly A’s: You’re a Prickly Pear Cactus
Mostly B’s: You’re a Sundew
Mostly C’s: You’re a Banyan Tree
Mostly D’s: You’re a Coffee Tree

The Prickly Pear Cactus

You’re strong, calm, and resilient. Just like a cactus, you’re able to thrive even when things get tough. You might look reserved at first, but once people get to know you, they find warmth and humor beneath the surface.

Visit Tip: Look for succulents and cacti in the conservatory’s Desert House. Notice how many different shapes and textures exist even in dry habitats!

Did You Know? Prickly pear cacti bloom with brilliant flowers that later turn into edible fruit called tunas!

The Sundew

You’re clever, curious, and not afraid to stand out! Carnivorous plants like sundews use creativity to survive. They trap insects to get nutrients that most plants can’t. You’re all about thinking differently and trying new things.

Visit Tip: Step inside the conservatory’s Temperate House to see real carnivorous plants up close. Look for the sundews’ sparkly “dew drops”, but don’t touch them!

Did You Know? Sundews are native to Michigan and grow in wetlands such as bogs, fens, or marshes.

The Banyan Tree

You’re a community-builder! Banyan trees spread wide and send down roots that grow into new trunks, creating entire forests from one tree. Like them, you’re supportive, steady, and love helping others grow.

Visit Tip: Walk through the conservatory’s Tropical House and notice the roots of different plants. How many are above ground?

Did You Know? Banyan trees are called “the forest that walks” because their roots keep growing outward, forming new trunks that look like separate trees! This keeps them stable in flowing water.

The Coffee Tree

You’re lively, creative, and full of energy! Coffee trees thrive in tropical shade and help fuel communities around the world. Like them, you bring focus and excitement wherever you go. You’re the spark that keeps things moving.

Visit Tip: Visit the conservatory’s Tropical House to see how plants like coffee, cacao, and banana grow together in humid environments. Can you see the fruit or seeds?

Did You Know? Coffee beans are actually the seeds of bright red berries! In nature, birds and animals spread them by eating the fruit.

Visit and Explore

Now that you’ve met your plant match, it’s time to find it in person! Bring your quiz results to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and search for your plant in the conservatory. Each one is waiting for you to notice it.

As you explore, here are a few extra ideas to make your visit fun:
Sketch a picture of your plant twin.
Take a photo of your plant. Be creative- maybe it’s a collage or a selfie!
Visit again next month and see how your plant has changed.