12 



Fig. 2. Zea mays Linn. INDIAN CORN. — a, A pistillate spikelet; b, a pair 

 of staminate spikelets; c, the compound pistillate spike or "ear;" d, pistil. 



2. ZEA, Linn. Sp. PI. 971. 1753. Spikelets unisexual, monoecious; the stami- 

 nate 2-flowered in pairs, one sessile the other pedicellate, along the numerous 

 branches of a terminal panicle; the pistillate 1-flowered, sessile, crowded in 

 several rows, along a much thickened continuous axis arising from the lower 

 leaf-axils and closely enveloped by numerous large foliaceous bracts. Glumes 

 4, awnless; those of the staminate spikelet acute; those of the pistillate very 

 broad and obtuse or emarginate. Grain hard, only partially inclosed by the 

 fruiting glumes. A well-known tall and striking annual grass with erect 

 stems and broad leaves. The terminal staminate inflorescence forms the 

 "spindle," and the long projecting styles of the pistillate flowers constitute 

 the "silk." The cob is formed by the union of the axes of several female 

 spikes into a much-thickened body. 



Species 1 or 2, of American origin, presenting many varieties in cultivation 

 known as corn, indian corn or maize. 



