Consider the following plants 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

Answer: A

Explanation

Let’s examine the origin of each plant: 1. Cashew: Native to northeastern Brazil. It was introduced to India by Portuguese missionaries in the late 16th century. 2. Papaya: Originates from South Mexico and Costa Rica. It is widely cultivated in India but is not native. 3. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus): This tree is endemic to a specific region of India, primarily the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It is a native species. Therefore, only Red Sanders is native to India among the given options. This question is relevant to biodiversity, native species, and economic botany, often linked to conservation efforts and trade regulations, especially for species like Red Sanders.