The draft primary curriculum for maths, due to be introduced in schools next year, contains plans for pupils to memorise their times tables up to 12 by age nine, multiply and divide fractions by age 11, as well as learn topics such as geometry, long division and multiplication and decimals.

BBC: Primary maths plan threatens 'too much too soon'

Shrubs such as lilacs that tend to "sucker" turn into colonies by sprouting new stems from their creeping roots are another candidate to divide and multiply.

WSJ: In the Garden, Divide and Multiply: Weekend Gardener