Consider the following: How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

Answer: (a) Only one

Only red sanders is native. Cashew and papaya came from the Americas.

Statement by statement

1. ✗ NOT NATIVE Cashew came from Brazil with the Portuguese in the 16th century.

2. ✗ NOT NATIVE Papaya is from Central America, also brought by the Portuguese.

3. ✓ NATIVE Red sanders is endemic to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.

The idea

A native species occurs naturally in the region. An introduced (exotic) species was brought by people. A crop can be grown across India for centuries and still be introduced.

Portuguese reach India (16th century) → Bring plants from the Americas → Cashew, papaya, chilli, potato, tomato, pineapple, guava, tobacco → They suit the Indian climate and spread → Today they feel Indian

Why the others are wrong

(b) Counts cashew as native because India is a top producer — but it came from Brazil.

(c) Counts cashew and papaya as native.

(d) Red sanders is endemic to India.

The trap

India is a leading producer of cashew and papaya, so they feel native.

Also know

Red sanders grows naturally only in a small part of the southern Eastern Ghats (the Seshachalam hills of Andhra Pradesh). Its deep red wood is smuggled, so it is listed in CITES Appendix II. Do not confuse it with sandalwood, which is a different tree valued for its scent.