Zea mays

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Zea mays

Zea mays (pronunciation: /ˌziːə ˈmeɪz/), commonly known as corn, is a large grain plant first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits.

Etymology

The term "Zea" comes from Greek ζειά (zeiá), originally a term for a type of grain. "Mays" comes from Spanish maíz, which was borrowed from the indigenous Taíno term for the plant, *mahiz*.

Related Terms

  • Cereal: A grass cultivated for the edible components of its grain, composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran.
  • Grain: A small, hard, dry seed, with or without an attached hull or fruit layer, harvested for human or animal consumption.
  • Inflorescence: The complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers.
  • Kernel: The inner, usually edible part of a nut or seed or grain.
  • Seed: A mature fertilized plant ovule, consisting of an embryo and its food source and having a protective coat or testa.

See Also

External links

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