Plant Characteristics

Botanical Family: Maize is a member of the grass family, Ponceau.

Growth Habit: It is a tall annual plant, growing to 1-3 meters or more, with long, narrow leaves arranged alternately on the stem.

Flowers: It is a monoecious plant, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same plant.

Male Flowers: The tassel at the top of the plant produces pollen, which is wind-dispersed.

Female Flowers: Located lower on the stalk, the female flowers develop into kernels on the cob, surrounded by husks.

Kernels: The kernels are technically fruits (caryopses) that are fused with the seed coat.