Question 1

True or false: Borage is also known as 'starflower' because its flowers have a distinct five-pointed star shape.

Accepted Answer

True. The common name 'starflower' comes from its bright blue, star-shaped blossoms, which are also edible and popular in salads.

Question 2

True or false: Borage flowers can change color from blue to pink as they age due to pH shifts in the petals.

Accepted Answer

True. Borage flowers start blue and gradually turn pinkish as their cellular pH changes, a rare trait among plants that fascinates gardeners.

Question 3

True or false: Ancient Roman soldiers ate borage leaves before battle because they believed it gave them courage.

Accepted Answer

True. Romans consumed borage for its supposed bravery-inducing properties, even calling it 'Euphrosinum' for its uplifting effect.

Question 4

True or false: Borage seeds are a primary source of gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 oil used in skin treatments.

Accepted Answer

True. Borage seed oil is rich in GLA, often used to soothe eczema and inflammation, making it a prized natural remedy.

Question 5

True or false: Borage leaves are toxic to humans when eaten raw, requiring careful cooking to neutralize their poison.

Accepted Answer

False. Borage leaves are actually edible raw, with a mild cucumber taste. However, they contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so large amounts are discouraged.

Question 6

True or false: Borage plants are known to repel tomato hornworms when planted near tomatoes in gardens.

Accepted Answer

False. While borage attracts pollinators and can improve tomato flavor, there's no strong evidence it repels hornworms. It's more of an old wives' tale.

Question 7

True or false: Borage can be used as a natural dye to turn fabrics a vivid red color without any mordant.

Accepted Answer

False. Borage flowers produce a blue or purple dye, not red. They require a mordant to fix the color, and the result is usually pale.

Question 8

True or false: Borage is the only plant known to naturally contain trace amounts of actual starlight in its leaves.

Accepted Answer

False. This is made up; borage doesn't contain starlight. It does have a unique cucumber-like flavor and is known for its star-shaped blue flowers.

Borage Trivia Questions