Corn
Scientific name: Zea mays L.
Family name: Poaceae
MORPHOLOGY
Habit and dimensions: annual herbaceous plant. It tends to reach an average height of 2 to 3 meters, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Stem: erect stem distinguished into nodes and internodes.
Leaves: long and narrow, arranged in two opposite rows along the stem, at the nodes.
Flowers: male and female flowers are borne on the same plant, grouped in inflorescences. The male inflorescence is borne at the top of the plant, while the female one is positioned axillary, approximately halfway up the plant.
Fruits and seeds: dry indehiscent fruits, called caryopses, attached to a cob.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Plant of American origin, particularly from areas between Mexico and Central America. After the initial contact with Europeans in the 16th century, corn spread worldwide, becoming one of the most important cultivated cereals. It prefers sunny positions and well-drained soil, while it is sensitive to frost and excessive summer temperatures.
USE
Corn has had a significant influence on human history and culture and is still one of the most important plants for global food and economy, surpassing all other cereals in quantity produced. 40% of the world’s harvest is produced by the United States, followed by China, Brazil, and Argentina. There are numerous cultivars. It is mainly cultivated for human consumption but also for animal feed. It is a highly valued fuel and is used in the production, through natural fermentation, of ethanol subsequently used for biofuel production. The species is also used for therapeutic purposes: female inflorescences, taken as infusions, have a diuretic effect and are recommended for cystitis and calculi.
INTERESTING FACTS
In Italy, it is commonly called “granoturco” or “granturco,” meaning exotic or colonial. In recent years, corn starch has been used to produce biodegradable plastics, such as Mater-Bi, which decompose and return to nature through composting.
Photo: under a free license from INaturalist
