ZEA 163 



branch, the so-called "shank." This branch consists of a 

 number of very short internodes with one modified leaf at 

 each node. The blades of the modified leaves have been 



6pikelet 



Fig. 59. — A pair of staminate spikelets of corn (Zea mays). 



reduced, the leaf sheaths alone remaining. The collection 

 of leaf sheaths on the shank forms the "husk" of the ear. 

 The pistillate spikelets are arranged in rows along a fleshy 

 axis, the "cob." 



