What is The Scientific Name of Maize?

Zea mays is the scientific name of maize. Maize belongs to the species Zea mays. It is classified within the order Poales, the family Poaceae, the subfamily Panicoideae, the tribe Maydeae, and the subtribe Maydinae. It is a grass plant and produces large ears with rows of edible seeds (kernels) on a cob. The plant grows tall, with upright stems, broad leaves, and inflorescences consisting of male (tassel) and female (ear) flower. Maize is monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant. It shows great genetic diversity, enabling adaptation to various environmental condition. It is a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

The six major types of maize are dent corn, flint corn, pod corn, popcorn, flour corn, and sweet corn. The  genetically modified organisms (GMOs) variety of corn is produced for resistance to the herbicide glyphosate or to produce proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill specific insect pests. Maize is one of the world’s most productive and dominant crops. It is grown extensively as food for both humans and livestock, as a biofuel, and as a crude material in industry.

Zea mays is the scientific name of maize. Zea mays belongs to the plant genus Zea and is a member of the Poaceae family, commonly referred to as the grass family. It originated in Mexico, where it was domesticated from a wild grass called teosinte. There are numerous varieties and cultivars of maize, each adapted to specific growing conditions and uses. Common types include dent corn (used for animal feed and processed foods), sweet corn (eaten as a vegetable), popcorn (used for making popcorn snacks), and flint corn (known for its hard, colorful kernels).