MAIZE. 81 



Zea Mays tunicata. — Pod or Dop Maize. — The distinguish- 

 ing feature of this class is that each kernel is enclosed by 

 glumes ; the ear is enclosed by husks. The grains may assume 

 the forms of most of the more commonly occurring types. In 

 no country has this group been of economic importance, and it 

 is of more interest to the botanist than to the agriculturist. The 

 podded condition is now considered to represent a case of im- 

 perfect dominance, and that, like the Andalusian fowl, it is 

 mihxable and related to the heterozygous condition. 



Zea Mays canina. — Dog Maize. — Of little direct agricul- 

 tural value, but of considerable interest in that, while it is said 

 to grow wild in Southern Mexico, it can be produced by crossing 

 teosinte (Euchlsena mexicana) and the commonly occurring 

 types of maize. The plant is much branched, having a large 

 number of very small ears, which may be clustered sometimes. 

 These are 2 to 4 inches in length, with 4 to 8 rows. 



As the exploitation of the cultivated plants in different 

 parts of the world takes place, a number of new forms are being 

 discovered. Among the outstanding of these the following may 

 be noted : — 



Zea Mays japonica. — This has green and white striped 

 leaves with a flint type of grain. Grown ornamentally in 

 gardens. 



Zea Mays hirta. — This species occurs in South America, 

 and is distinguished by having very pubescent leaves and 

 sheaths. It is extremely shallow-rooted. 



Zea Mays curagua has serrated leaves. 



Cliinese maize is recognised by having a waxy, not starchy, 

 endosperm. The ear resembles pearl pop maize. 



Hopi maize is cultivated by the Hopi Indians. It tillers 

 very freely and will reach the surface when the seed is planted 

 12 inches in depth in sandy soil, an adaptation which may prove 

 of material advantage in the drier north-western districts of 

 South Africa. The kernel is amylaceous. 



Collins* reports a type from Bolivia which develops the 

 quality of remaining green for some time after maturity. Her- 

 maphrodite forms are known, these having perfect flowers; the 

 plant has short internodes with broad leaves. 



Varieties. — Maize, in common with most of the widely 

 grown field crops, has numerous varieties. In 1814 only five 

 distinct varieties were known in North America, while the 

 number to-day is estimated by some to be over a thousand. 

 These have been obtained by the selection of remarkable muta- 



