TEOSINTE 



The following article by W. J. Spillman is taken from Bailey's Cyclopedia of 

 American Agriculture, Vol. II, published by The Macmillan Company. 



This is an annual forage plant closely related brvtanically to 

 corn. The appearances and inflorescence are much like corn, but 

 no true ear is formed ; the seed is produced on slender spikes in 

 four or five leaf-axils near the center of the plant. A tassel is 

 borne similar to that of corn. Some botanists hold it to be the 

 original form of corn, with which it readily crosses. It is a rank 

 grower, reaching a height of nine to fifteen feet, and bearing an 

 abundance of leaves and slender stems. Thirty to sixty stalks 

 are sometimes sent up from a single root. Some of the suckers 

 attain nearly the same size as the main stem and mature at about 

 the same time. Under favorable conditions, growth continues 

 until checked by frost. 



Distribution 



The successful growing of teosinte is restricted by soil and cli- 

 matic conditions. It demands a rich soil with an abundance 

 of moisture and a long, hot growing season. Where these con- 

 ditions do not prevail, it is easily superceded by sorghum, corn, 

 and other forage crops. The plant is a native of the warm 

 parts of Mexico and Central and South America, though it was 

 first cultivated in Australia. In the United States its best growth 

 is made along the Gulf coast, in Florida and Louisiana, and in 

 Georgia and Mississippi. It may be grown as far north as ISTew 

 Jersey and Kansas, though in the northern states it can scarcely 

 be considered an economic forage plant. It has been grown with 

 some success in Michigan and southern Oregon. In New York 

 and Vermont it has not given satisfaction. * * * 



Culture 

 The planting season is May or June, and it should not be 

 delayed beyond this because of the long growing season required. 

 Rich bottom land or any soil that will produce good crops of 



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