WHAT IS AN EAR OF CORN? 



59 



sessile (Fig. 5, c). This is accompanied by an increased difference 

 between the flowers, as mentioned above. As modification progresses, 

 the lower outer glume shortens and becomes thicker and more corneous. 

 The palet and glume of the upper flower show a tendency to become 



Fig. 6. Specimens from Corn Tassels ; a, Branch of pod-corn tassel showing twinned 

 grains; b, Central spike ot tassel with tip developed into small ear; c, central spike of tassel 

 developing pistillate flowers near middle ; d, same as c with flowers removed to show tendency 

 of central rachis to develop into a cob-like structure where pistillate flowers are borne. 



more reduced, while the lower flower becomes practically abortive, 

 except that the palet and glume are still of normal size. In the first 

 stage after the flower has become pistillate (Fig. 5, d and e), the two 



