Grevillea robusta is a widely planted ornamental and timber tree. In standard botanical nomenclature, Grevillea robusta is the scientific name of which commonly known tree species?

Introduction / Context:
Many trees planted along roadsides and in gardens have common names as well as formal scientific names. Scientific names are important for clear communication across languages and regions. Competitive exams often ask you to match a scientific name with its corresponding common name. This question focuses on Grevillea robusta, a species frequently used as an ornamental and shade tree.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scientific name given is Grevillea robusta.
• We are asked which common tree this name refers to.
• Options include silver oak, teak, peepal, jackfruit, and neem.
• We assume standard horticultural and botanical usage.
• We focus on common trees familiar in urban and rural landscapes.

Concept / Approach:
Grevillea robusta is commonly known as silver oak, although it is not a true oak. It is native to parts of Australia and has been widely introduced as an ornamental and shade tree in many countries. The tree has fern like leaves and distinctive orange yellow flower clusters. It is often used for avenue planting, as a shade tree in coffee plantations, and in timber production. Teak (Tectona grandis), peepal (Ficus religiosa), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and neem (Azadirachta indica) belong to entirely different genera and have their own scientific names. Recognising the correct pairing of Grevillea robusta with silver oak is the key to answering this question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall from botany and general knowledge lists that silver oak is associated with the scientific name Grevillea robusta. Step 2: Remember that silver oak is often planted as a roadside or garden tree and used as a shade tree in plantations. Step 3: Note that teak is a high value timber tree with the scientific name Tectona grandis. Step 4: Recognise that peepal is a sacred fig tree named Ficus religiosa in scientific terms. Step 5: Understand that jackfruit is called Artocarpus heterophyllus and produces large edible fruits. Step 6: Identify neem as Azadirachta indica, widely known for its medicinal and pesticidal properties. Step 7: Since none of these alternative common names match Grevillea robusta, conclude that silver oak is the correct match.

Verification / Alternative check:
Horticulture and forestry references list silver oak under the genus Grevillea and species robusta, often describing its use as shade and ornamental timber. Plant nurseries and landscaping guides commonly label this tree as Grevillea robusta (silver oak) in catalogues. Educational charts that show scientific names of common trees pair silver oak with Grevillea robusta, while teak, peepal, jackfruit, and neem are listed with their own scientific names. This evidence confirms that Grevillea robusta is indeed the scientific name of silver oak.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Teak: Its scientific name is Tectona grandis, and it is unrelated to the genus Grevillea. Peepal: Known scientifically as Ficus religiosa, a member of the fig family, not Grevillea. Jackfruit tree: Has the scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus and produces large, heavy fruits. Neem tree: Called Azadirachta indica, famous for its medicinal uses, not Grevillea robusta.

Common Pitfalls:
Because silver oak carries the word oak in its common name, students may incorrectly assume it is related to true oaks of the genus Quercus. In fact, it belongs to a different family and genus. Another pitfall is mixing up scientific names that are often presented together in lists. To avoid confusion, make mental connections between unique features of each tree and its scientific name, for example silver oak with Grevillea robusta and teak with Tectona grandis. Revisiting such associations periodically helps reinforce memory.

Final Answer:
Grevillea robusta is the scientific name of the silver oak tree.