Corn

Zea mays is a grass species in the Poaceae family. It is characterized by a tall, stout stalk that produces both male and female inflorescences. The male tassels produce pollen, while the female ears produce kernels, which are the edible seeds. The plant is widely cultivated for its grain, which can be yellow, white, or other colors in different varieties. Maize was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico approximately 9,000 years ago from its wild ancestor, teosinte. It became a staple crop in Native American agriculture, often grown in a polyculture system with beans and squashes known as the Three Sisters. The species is distributed across various regions, including parts of South America, Europe, and the Caribbean.