Zea mays L.
Poaceae (grass family)
Location:
- Corn row spacing
- Corn inbreds
- Three sisters
Origin: Mexico. A C4, coarse annual grass in the Panicoideae subfamily with sorghum and pearl millet. Now occupies the largest crop land acreage in
the United States, and is the primary staple food in Central America, eastern and southern Africa. Outside the U.S. is called maize.
Biophysical Requirements: Widely adapted, but generally does best in highly fertile, well‐watered climates, and in zones that are not too cool.
Food Uses: Ranks third in the world production of cereal crops (second in production value). There are several groups of corn differing in endosperm and glume characteristics.