A "BEARSFOOT" EAR 



Figure 1 Bearsfoot or fasciated ears are one of the commonest abnormali- 

 ties of maize, and have furnished one explanation of the origin of the normal 

 unbranched form of ear. Some authorities consider the many-rowed ear ot 

 maize to be the result of fasciation of the branches of an inflorescence such as 

 shown in Figure 3 (right), and ears such as the above are considered to be 

 examples of imperfect fasciation where the component members have divided 

 or failed to unite. 



