Zea mays

Zea mays, commonly known as maize or corn, is a versatile cereal crop native to the Americas. It’s a tall grass with large, kernel-bearing ears that develop on the plant’s stalk. Corn is a major agricultural product used for food (like popcorn and cornmeal), animal feed, and industrial purposes (such as ethanol and biodegradable plastics). It thrives in various climates and is cultivated worldwide. Corn’s adaptability, high yield, and nutritional value make it one of the most important crops globally, supporting both human consumption and livestock agriculture.