Corn(Zea mays) An annual crop that takes 3 to 5
months to mature. The tassel forms at the stem top,
while the female flowers known as corn silk, are
borne on the ears lower down the stem. The ear has
a central structure known as the corncob, which is
covered by modified leaves turned into husk. The
grains are set in rows on the corncob. History:
Originally an American crop, corn as taken to
Europe by Columbus. Having dispersed throughout
the world, it is mostly grown north of the equator.
